As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. One of the most challenging symptoms of RA is the persistent joint pain, which can make even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. While traditional medications play a vital role in managing pain,…
If you’re someone who’s living with arthritis, particularly in your hands, then you probably know how frustrating it can be when your fingers feel cold, stiff, or just plain “off.” I get it — as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients come into the clinic saying, “My hands just don’t feel right, especially…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause permanent disability? As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had this question tossed at me more times than I can count—usually with a mix of fear and uncertainty in the patient’s eyes. Honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about achy joints or occasional stiffness. It’s…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, especially in your hands, then you know how frustrating those stiff mornings and achy knuckles can be. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner who’s worked with hundreds of patients over the years, I can tell you — managing symptoms isn’t just about medication. Sometimes the best hand exercises for rheumatoid…
Ever notice your joints seem to get more stubborn when the temperature drops? I’ve heard this question so many times in clinic: is rheumatoid arthritis worse in cold weather? And let me tell you—based on my years of experience as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, the answer isn’t as black and white as we’d all like….
If you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis and the best stretches for knee pain are on your radar, you’re absolutely not alone. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I see so many patients who quietly suffer through their day, unsure if that stiffness in their knees is just “getting older” or something more serious. I totally get…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a challenging condition to live with, especially when it impacts the hands. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating hand pain can be for people with RA. Whether you’re struggling to grip a cup of coffee or experiencing persistent joint stiffness, managing hand pain is essential for…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a real challenge, especially when it comes to managing weight. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients with RA often struggle with weight gain or loss due to inflammation, joint pain, and the impact of medications. It’s not uncommon for patients to feel frustrated when trying to…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that come with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s a chronic condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from physical abilities to emotional well-being. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that managing RA goes beyond medication. Many patients, including some of my…