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…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a complex landscape of symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle adjustments. One topic that comes up a lot in my practice as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner is the connection between RA and gluten-free diets. Patients often ask if cutting out gluten can ease their joint pain or reduce inflammation. From…
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 sudden weight gain? This is a question I’ve heard more times than I can count in the exam room. You’d think that with all the joint pain and inflammation, folks would actually lose weight, right? But the truth is, sudden weight gain isn’t just common—it can be a real and confusing…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, it’s that stress and arthritis go together like thunderstorms and leaky roofs — one just makes the other worse. When my patients ask me about the best ways to manage stress with arthritis, I always say: it’s not just about popping pills or stretching…
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your hearing? It’s not the first question most people think of when RA comes up in conversation, but believe me—after years of sitting across from patients, I’ve learned that rheumatoid arthritis can sneak up in some pretty surprising ways. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients walk in worried about…
If you’re anything like the patients I see in clinic every week, you’re probably tired of the ups and downs of arthritis. One day, you’re fine, and the next—bam!—your joints are stiff, swollen, and just not cooperating. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more conversations about flare-ups than I can count. But here’s the…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause shortness of breath? If you’ve ever worked in rheumatology—or lived with RA yourself—you’ve probably heard this question more than once. As a nurse practitioner in the field, I’ve had countless patients bring this up, usually after a flare-up or a bout of unexplained fatigue. It’s not something we always associate with…
Balancing your health with a demanding career isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when you’re managing a chronic condition like RA. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner (and someone who’s watched countless patients try to juggle both), I know firsthand how tough it can be. So, if you’ve been wondering how to manage rheumatoid arthritis while…