Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than joint pain. It’s a chronic autoimmune condition that quietly affects other parts of the body—including bone health. Over time, many people with RA experience bone loss, which can lead to increased risk of fractures and a condition known as osteoporosis. This connection between RA and bone weakening can feel…
Managing more than one autoimmune disease—especially when one of them is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—can feel overwhelming. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. When you have RA and other autoimmune conditions at the same time, it can affect many parts of your body and make daily life more challenging. But…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means regular check-ins with your doctor. These appointments help track your progress, adjust treatment, and keep symptoms under control. Being prepared for these visits can make a big difference in how helpful and efficient they are. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or managing RA for years, knowing what to expect and…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joints. This leads to pain, swelling, and stiffness—mostly in the hands, feet, and knees. RA can make everyday tasks harder and may affect how you move, sleep, and even how you feel emotionally. Understanding how RA impacts daily habits…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not just about managing physical symptoms like joint pain and stiffness; it’s also deeply intertwined with emotional well-being. From my years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA and emotional support ideas play a crucial role in helping patients cope with the daily challenges this chronic…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a lot of unexpected challenges—one of which, surprisingly, is how RA affects nail health. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients often overlook their nails when managing their disease. Yet, nails can tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface,…
If you’ve ever wondered, can RA cause itchy skin?—you’re definitely not alone. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well-known for causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but many people, including some of my patients, are surprised to learn that skin symptoms like itchiness can also show up. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen…
Night sweats and rheumatoid arthritis — if you’ve ever experienced these two together, you know it’s more than just an annoying symptom. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this uncomfortable combo can disrupt sleep, affect daily life, and even cause anxiety for those trying to manage their condition. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can RA cause nausea?”—you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had several patients over the years, and even some of my own close friends living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), casually mention that uneasy, queasy feeling that sneaks up on them. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve learned that nausea is one of…