Nighttime swelling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be frustrating and painful. It’s more than just a nuisance—it can interfere with sleep, affect your energy levels, and make mornings harder. Understanding why swelling happens at night, and what you can do about it, may help you better manage your RA and feel more in control. Understanding…
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…
When folks ask me what rheumatoid arthritis (RA) really looks like inside the joints, especially on an X-ray, I usually start by saying—”It’s not always obvious, but when you know what you’re looking for, it practically jumps out at you.” What RA looks like on Xray isn’t just about bones—it’s about a deeper story of…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause difficulty swallowing? It’s not the first question most people think of when they hear “RA,” but it’s one that comes up more than you might expect — and one I’ve been asked in clinic quite a few times. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve sat with countless patients who tell me…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause permanent disability? As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had this question tossed at me more times than I can count—usually with a mix of fear and uncertainty in the patient’s eyes. Honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about achy joints or occasional stiffness. It’s…
Have you ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause dizziness? Honestly, as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had so many patients over the years bring this up during visits — and I get it. When you’re dealing with a chronic illness like RA, anything out of the ordinary can feel alarming. Sometimes, the dizziness creeps in…