Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get enough attention in the world of rheumatoid arthritis: RA and lower back stiffness. I can’t count how many patients have come into my office, eyes a bit weary, asking, “Could this tight, aching feeling in my lower back really be my RA acting up?” Spoiler alert: yes, it…
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years working with RA patients, it’s that figuring out how to prevent RA flare-ups isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Every patient is unique, but the common thread? Flare-ups are frustrating, painful, and disruptive. I’ve sat with countless patients who feel like they’re doing everything right—then bam, a flare…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis isn’t just about managing flares or remembering your meds—it’s about finding your rhythm. That’s why I created a rheumatoid arthritis daily checklist for my patients. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen how daily habits—both big and small—can shape how someone feels. And let’s be honest, it’s not always easy. But…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can be a daily battle. Trust me—I’ve seen it firsthand as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, and even in my own family. The stiffness, the swelling, the sheer frustration of not being able to do what you used to. One of the most common questions I get from patients is, “Is there…
If you’ve ever sat across from a patient struggling with joint pain and morning stiffness, then you know how relentless rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve witnessed firsthand how chronic inflammation takes a toll—not just on joints, but on every facet of life. Over the years, many of my patients…
Rheumatoid arthritis and the impact on foot health is something I talk about with my patients almost every day. And let me tell you, foot pain isn’t just a footnote (pun intended) when it comes to RA—it’s often center stage. If you’ve ever dealt with swollen toes, burning arches, or that awful morning stiffness that…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause jaw pain? That’s a question I hear more often than you might think in my rheumatology clinic. Most folks associate RA with joints like the hands, wrists, or knees—but the jaw? Yes, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can absolutely be involved, and when it is, it’s not just annoying—it can really interfere…
Let’s talk about something every rheumatology patient—and let’s be real, every rheumatology *provider*—dreads as soon as the temperatures start to dip: how to prevent flare-ups during winter. I can’t count the number of patients who tell me their joints feel like they’ve aged a decade overnight once cold weather hits. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner,…
If you’ve ever watched a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) try to unscrew a stubborn jar lid or button a shirt on a flare day, you’ll know what I mean when I say: living with RA isn’t just about managing pain—it’s about navigating a hundred little challenges that most people take for granted. Over the…