If you’ve ever dealt with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or worked closely with those who have, you know how relentless it can feel. From the persistent joint pain to the fatigue that sneaks up on you, managing RA is often about more than just medications. Over the years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand…
Can RA cause weak grip? If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to open a jar, twist a doorknob, or even hold a pen, you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless patients walk into my clinic frustrated by a loss of grip strength—and more often than not, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the…
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in the world of rheumatoid arthritis: RA and lower back stiffness. I can’t count how many patients have come into my office, eyes a bit weary, asking, “Could this tight, aching feeling in my lower back really be my RA acting up?” Spoiler alert: yes, it…
Living with RA and hip joint issues is something I see almost daily in my work as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner. And let me tell you—it’s not just a “joint pain” kind of problem. The hip, being a deep and weight-bearing joint, makes this a completely different beast compared to something like RA in the…
If you’re anything like me, working long hours in rheumatology and seeing patients battle rheumatoid arthritis (RA) day in and day out, you know how critical diet can be in managing inflammation. And let’s be real—when you’re juggling meds, flares, and fatigue, the last thing anyone wants to think about is complicated food prep. That’s…
RA and chronic shoulder pain can feel like a frustrating, never-ending loop of stiffness, inflammation, and just plain discomfort—something I’ve seen countless times working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner. In fact, some of the most persistent complaints I hear from my patients revolve around the shoulder. While many associate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with hand and…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years working with RA patients, it’s that figuring out how to prevent RA flare-ups isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Every patient is unique, but the common thread? Flare-ups are frustrating, painful, and disruptive. I’ve sat with countless patients who feel like they’re doing everything right—then bam, a flare…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often means more than just managing joint pain and stiffness. One of the less talked about, yet frustrating symptoms that many patients experience is balance problems. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA and balance problems explained can unlock a deeper understanding of what’s happening inside the…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means dealing with a lot of unpredictable symptoms, but one that often flies under the radar is cold hands. If you’ve ever wondered about RA and cold hands treatment, you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this symptom can sneak in, making daily tasks feel…