Last winter, I remember stepping out of my car after a long drive through sleet and freezing rain—and my lower back screamed at me. It wasn’t just the cold; it was everything: the tense muscles, the awkward posture from driving, and even the slippery sidewalk I had to brace against. If you’ve noticed your back…
Waking up with stiff, aching joints isn’t the best way to start your day. If this happens often, especially in the morning, you might be wondering what’s going on. One possible cause is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic autoimmune condition that can affect how your joints feel and function. Morning body aches can be a…
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…
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…
If you’ve ever lived with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how stubborn joint pain and stiffness can be, especially when the weather turns chilly or after a long day on your feet. Over the years, working closely with patients as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how simple tools like heat wraps can offer…
If you’ve ever woken up with stiff fingers and thought, “Hmm, must’ve slept weird,” you’re not alone. But if that stiffness starts lingering a little too long—or if your rings don’t fit like they used to—it might be time to look closer. One of the most early signs of RA in hands isn’t a dramatic…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis, you’re no stranger to the relentless ache that can settle into your joints and make even the simplest tasks feel like a marathon. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve spent countless hours listening to patients share their daily struggles and, more importantly, celebrating their small victories. Whether you’re newly…
If you’ve ever watched someone struggle to open a jar or rise from a chair with a grimace, you may have seen the quiet grip of rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on joint flexibility in action. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen this disease not just as a list of symptoms on a chart,…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a challenging condition to live with, especially when it impacts the hands. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating hand pain can be for people with RA. Whether you’re struggling to grip a cup of coffee or experiencing persistent joint stiffness, managing hand pain is essential for…