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…
Have you ever noticed your fingers turning icy even when it’s not that cold outside? Or maybe your hands are always the first to get cold, even in a mildly air-conditioned room? As an internal medicine physician who’s spent years helping patients manage hypertension, I can tell you—*high blood pressure and cold hands* might seem…
As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients about what really makes rheumatoid arthritis flare—and what actually helps calm it down. Let’s be real: managing rheumatoid arthritis and balancing inflammation triggers is a bit like walking a tightrope. You try to stay steady, but the smallest gust (say, a stressful week or…
As an internal medicine physician who’s spent years knee-deep in the nuances of hypertension management, I’ve noticed a recurring issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention — posture. Yep, you heard me. How posture affects blood pressure readings isn’t just a technicality for nurses to fuss over; it can make the difference between a correct…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause hair thinning? This is actually one of the more common questions I get asked in clinic, and it’s not surprising. When you’re already dealing with a chronic condition like RA, the last thing you want is to look in the mirror and notice your hair looking thinner, duller, or even patchy….
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause nerve damage? This is a question I’ve been asked countless times in clinic, and honestly, it’s not always a simple yes or no. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this chronic autoimmune condition can do far more than just affect the joints. While most people associate RA with…