Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause pain, swelling, and damage in the joints. One of the most visible and frustrating complications of RA is finger deformity. Over time, RA can change the shape of your fingers and make it hard to do everyday things like buttoning a shirt or holding…
Is RA considered a disability? That’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in my years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner. And honestly, I get why it comes up so often. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t always “look” like a disability to those on the outside—but the fatigue, the stiffness, the unpredictable…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic cough? If you’ve ever wondered that, you’re not alone. Working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more than a handful of patients come in worried about this exact symptom. It’s not the kind of question you hear every day, but it’s one that deserves attention. People often associate rheumatoid…
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…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune condition, primarily affecting the joints. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how it can cause significant pain, stiffness, and other debilitating symptoms. However, there’s a question I often get from patients: “Can rheumatoid arthritis cause sciatica-like pain?” It’s a great question because while RA is mainly…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years working as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, it’s that understanding rheumatoid arthritis and how to avoid common triggers can be life-changing for patients. And I don’t say that lightly. RA isn’t just about aching joints or stiffness in the morning—it’s about fatigue that sneaks up on you…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can deeply impact patients in ways many don’t immediately realize. One of the less talked about effects of RA is how it can alter your posture and overall spine health. It’s not just about joint pain and inflammation—it can also cause a ripple…
Rheumatoid arthritis and bone marrow edema explained—sounds complicated, right? I totally get it. As someone who has spent years working with patients struggling with RA, I know firsthand how confusing all the medical jargon can be. But here’s the deal: if you’ve been battling joint pain, stiffness, and that all-too-familiar morning struggle to get moving,…
Tracking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) symptoms effectively can be a game-changer in managing the condition and improving your quality of life. If you’ve ever felt like your symptoms fluctuate without rhyme or reason, you’re not alone. I’ve been working with RA patients for years, and one of the biggest frustrations I hear is, “How do I…