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…
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…
Let’s be real—joint pain is a frustrating beast. I’ve had countless patients walk into my exam room convinced they have rheumatoid arthritis (RA) just because their knees or fingers ache after a long day. And I get it—when your joints hurt, it’s easy to assume the worst. But here’s the thing: not all joint pain…