As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients struggle with the chronic pain and inflammation that comes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you or someone you know has RA, you understand just how debilitating this autoimmune disease can be. The pain, stiffness, and fatigue can often make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. But…
Managing morning joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis is something I talk about with my patients *a lot*. If you’re living with RA, you know those early hours can feel like you’re stuck in slow motion. Your joints are stiff, achy, and not exactly in the mood to cooperate — especially when the day’s just getting…
When we think about rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on the spine, most folks picture painful, swollen fingers or knees—not aching backs. But as someone who has walked beside patients for years in Rheumatology, let me tell you: the spine, especially the neck (hello, cervical spine!), doesn’t escape RA’s wrath. I’ve had many patients sit…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging, but one thing that can make a significant difference is incorporating a safe stretching routine into your daily life. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how beneficial the right stretches can be for patients managing RA. Not only can they help reduce stiffness and pain,…
If you’ve ever wondered why gut issues seem to flare up around the same time as your rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms, you’re not imagining things. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen this pattern over and over again in my patients—and honestly, in myself during high-stress periods when the immune system is already on edge….
Let’s be real — staying active when you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t always a walk in the park. I’ve seen it firsthand with countless patients in my practice, and I’ve had more than a few heart-to-hearts with folks who feel like moving at all is a major challenge. But here’s the deal: rheumatoid…
If you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis like many of my patients do, and you’re spending long hours at a desk job, you’ve probably wondered whether your office chair might actually be making things worse. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner who’s seen countless patients struggle with joint pain flaring up just from poor posture and stiff…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) comes with its fair share of challenges, especially when it comes to managing pain and maintaining a good night’s sleep. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how vital a restful night can be for those struggling with joint pain and inflammation. When it comes to achieving quality sleep,…
Let’s talk real life with rheumatoid arthritis and how to cope with daily fatigue—because if you’re anything like many of the patients I’ve worked with, this isn’t just about joint pain or stiffness. It’s that crushing, all-over exhaustion that hits like a freight train, sometimes even before your feet hit the floor in the morning….