Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the joints. One of the first and most noticeable symptoms for many people is a loss of grip strength. That means things like opening jars, turning doorknobs, or holding a pen can suddenly become difficult. Understanding why this happens can help you find ways…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can make your knees feel stiff, swollen, and painful. It’s a type of autoimmune disease, which means your immune system mistakenly attacks your joints. This can lead to joint damage over time—especially in weight-bearing joints like the knees. But the good news? Gentle, regular exercise can actually help make your knees stronger…
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…
Joint pain can deeply affect daily life, making even simple movements uncomfortable. For many, the discomfort stems from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or gout. While both cause joint pain, they differ in many ways. Understanding these differences can help guide treatment and support better health outcomes. This guide explores the signs, causes, and…
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…
It’s wild how something as simple as water—something we take for granted every day—can play such a critical role in managing a complex disease like rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve sat across from patients who were surprised to hear me emphasize hydration right alongside…
Let’s be real—when you’re juggling flares, fatigue, and the never-ending list of meds, thinking about your daily water intake might feel like the last thing on your mind. But as a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s worked with hundreds of patients living with RA, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as staying hydrated can make…
It always catches people off guard—when they tell me their neck makes that crunchy, grinding sound and I gently ask, “Has anyone ever talked to you about RA and neck cracking pain?” As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve heard it more times than I can count. That unexpected creak in the neck? It might not…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means constantly juggling symptoms, treatments, and lifestyle tweaks to keep inflammation and pain in check. Over the years working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients ask about natural remedies that might complement their medical care — and one topic that keeps popping up is the idea of…