Can rheumatoid arthritis cause facial swelling? It’s a question I hear more often than you’d think. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients come in worried about puffiness in their cheeks or swelling around their eyes, wondering if it’s related to their RA or something else entirely. And I get it — when something…
Let’s be real—if you’ve ever tried typing on a cold morning with arthritic hands, you already know the struggle. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more conversations than I can count about how to keep hands warm with arthritis. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about protecting your joints, maintaining mobility, and avoiding that deep,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause hair thinning? This is actually one of the more common questions I get asked in clinic, and it’s not surprising. When you’re already dealing with a chronic condition like RA, the last thing you want is to look in the mirror and notice your hair looking thinner, duller, or even patchy….
If you’ve ever wondered how to stay active with rheumatoid arthritis pain, you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve talked with countless patients who feel stuck between wanting to move their bodies and not wanting to trigger more pain. Trust me, I get it. The struggle is real, but the good news is—there…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause difficulty swallowing? It’s not the first question most people think of when they hear “RA,” but it’s one that comes up more than you might expect — and one I’ve been asked in clinic quite a few times. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve sat with countless patients who tell me…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis and dreaming of that next big trip, I see you. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s also caught the travel bug, I’ve seen firsthand how RA can make the idea of traveling feel more stressful than exciting. But here’s the thing—traveling *with* RA is absolutely possible, and with the…
If you’re anything like the patients I see in clinic each week, chances are you’ve googled “how to reduce morning stiffness in fingers” more than once—usually while trying to pry your coffee mug from your aching hands. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations about that frustrating, stubborn morning stiffness that makes you…
As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked alongside so many patients who battle the daily stiffness, swelling, and pain that comes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). And while medications are often a must-have in the toolbox, I’ve had countless conversations with folks asking, “Are there any natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis that actually help?” The answer?…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause swollen lymph nodes? This is a question I hear more often than you might think—usually from patients who are already overwhelmed by joint pain, fatigue, and the laundry list of RA symptoms they’re trying to manage. It’s a fair question, and honestly, not one that’s talked about nearly enough. As a…