Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be challenging enough, but did you know that not drinking enough water might make your symptoms worse? Dehydration doesn’t directly cause RA, but it can affect how your joints feel and how well your body handles inflammation. If you’re managing RA, staying properly hydrated might be more important than…
You’ve likely felt it—wrists stiff in the morning, joints swelling when you least expect it. Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a daily challenge, not only physically but mentally. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints, it’s more than just pain—it’s unpredictability, fatigue, emotional strain. That’s tough. And if you’re trying to…
Let’s talk about something I see a lot in my clinic — rheumatoid arthritis and iron deficiency. If you’re living with RA, and you’re feeling unusually tired (like more than your usual flare-up fatigue), you might be surprised to learn your iron levels could be to blame. It’s a topic I often dive into with…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you already know how unpredictable and frustrating this autoimmune condition can be. From morning stiffness to flare-ups that seem to come out of nowhere, managing RA often feels like a full-time job. Over the years working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients explore various lifestyle…
When you’ve worked with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as long as I have, you start to pick up on the subtle but powerful ways certain nutrients affect symptom management. One trace mineral that keeps popping up in conversations lately is magnesium. So, let’s dive into something I’ve been exploring more both personally and professionally: the…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like you’re constantly trying to outsmart your own immune system. It’s not just about managing pain—it’s about anticipating flare-ups before they knock you off your feet. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked side by side with hundreds of patients navigating this rollercoaster, and I’ve learned that the best…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve spent years working closely with patients who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One thing that constantly comes up in my practice is how little attention is paid to hydration and its impact on joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading…
Rheumatoid arthritis and best sleeping positions for pain relief—if you’ve ever tossed and turned through the night with aching joints, you already know how real this struggle is. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had more conversations than I can count with patients who are desperate for just one solid night’s sleep. Pain doesn’t clock…
Preventing joint deformities in rheumatoid arthritis isn’t just about popping pills and hoping for the best. It’s a combination of daily habits, consistent care, and knowing your body like the back of your hand. I’ve spent years walking alongside patients who were scared of what the future might hold for their joints, and let me…