If you’ve ever sat across from a patient with swollen, aching joints and a look of exhausted hope in their eyes, then you know exactly why I’m writing this. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations about natural options for managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA), especially with patients who are wary of long-term pharmaceutical…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like an uphill battle, especially when your joints are stiff and painful every morning. From my years working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how incorporating rheumatoid arthritis daily stretches into your routine can make a noticeable difference—not just physically, but mentally too. It’s not about pushing…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a juggling act some days—especially when it comes to getting dressed. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner and someone who’s helped countless patients navigate this, I get asked all the time: how to dress with RA without adding stress or pain to your day? Honestly, it’s not just…
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…