If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know all too well the struggle of waking up with stiff, swollen joints that make getting out of bed feel like a challenge. RA and morning swelling relief isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reclaiming your day and your independence. Over the years as a Rheumatology nurse…
If you’ve ever wondered, is RA genetic or acquired?, you’re definitely not alone. I get asked this almost daily in my clinic—and honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can feel like such a mystery when it first hits, especially because symptoms often creep in slowly before roaring to life. As…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a lot of unexpected challenges—one of which, surprisingly, is how RA affects nail health. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients often overlook their nails when managing their disease. Yet, nails can tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface,…
If you’ve ever lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how stubborn joint pain and stiffness can be, especially when the weather turns chilly or after a long day on your feet. Over the years, working closely with patients as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how simple tools like heat wraps can offer…
Let’s be real—when you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), even something as simple as getting a good night’s sleep can feel like a battle. I’ve had countless conversations in clinic with patients (and have my own nights of tossing and turning) about the impact of pain and stiffness on sleep quality. So let’s dive right…
Working from home sounds like a dream for many people, but if you’re like me—a Rheumatology nurse practitioner who also understands the daily grind of managing rheumatoid arthritis—it’s not always that simple. The idea of staying cozy at home is great, but when your joints scream at the thought of a stiff chair or cold…
As a rheumatology nurse practitioner and a mom myself, I know firsthand that coping with RA as a parent is no easy feat. Between juggling morning stiffness and soccer practice, managing meds while making dinner, and explaining your flares to little ones, it can sometimes feel like you’re trying to run a marathon with ankle…
As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how the colder months can stir up all sorts of discomfort for folks living with RA. If you’ve ever felt your joints get stiffer or more painful just as the temperatures drop, you’re not imagining things. The link between RA and winter joint pain is real—and for…
If you’ve been living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know firsthand how frustrating it can be when something as simple as walking becomes a challenge. RA and walking limitations often go hand in hand, and understanding why this happens can make a big difference in managing daily life. From my years as a rheumatology…