If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might already know about the joint pain, swelling, and stiffness it can bring. But did you know RA can also affect your hearing? It’s something that doesn’t get talked about much, yet it’s more common than many people realize. Understanding the connection between RA and hearing changes…
As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I get this question more often than you’d think: does RA affect blood vessels? Short answer? Yes, and in more ways than people realize. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about achy joints—it’s a full-body inflammatory condition, and that inflammation can take a toll on your blood vessels, too. I’ve seen…
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause kidney problems? you’re definitely not alone. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I get this question a lot from patients who are navigating the complexities of RA beyond just joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often thought of as a disease that mainly attacks joints, but in reality,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic dizziness? It’s a question I’ve heard more often than you’d think, especially from patients who’ve been dealing with RA for years. I remember one woman, late 40s, newly diagnosed, sitting in my exam room and asking, “Why do I feel like the room is spinning some days? Is it the…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause varicose veins? You wouldn’t believe how often that question comes up in clinic. I remember one particular patient—a sweet woman in her late 50s—who came in frustrated by the swelling and aching in her legs. She had already been managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over a decade, but now, she was…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause internal bleeding? This question comes up more often than you’d think—especially in my clinic, where patients are understandably concerned about the seriousness of their symptoms and the possible side effects of their treatments. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how confusing this disease can be. It’s not just about…
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…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune disease can impact not only the joints but other aspects of a person’s health. One question that often comes up is: Can rheumatoid arthritis cause vertigo?…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause low blood pressure? You’d be surprised how often I get asked this question, and honestly—it’s not a simple yes or no. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had plenty of patients who came in for joint pain but ended up sharing symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or even fainting. Naturally, the question…