If you think rheumatoid arthritis (RA) only means painful, swollen joints, you’re not alone—and that’s actually a common misconception I’ve seen many patients struggle with during my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner. While joint pain is a hallmark symptom, RA symptoms without joint pain can quietly creep in and often get overlooked. These less…
Can RA cause weak grip? If you’ve ever found yourself struggling to open a jar, twist a doorknob, or even hold a pen, you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless patients walk into my clinic frustrated by a loss of grip strength—and more often than not, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the…
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…
Is RA considered a disability? That’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in my years as a rheumatology nurse practitioner. And honestly, I get why it comes up so often. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t always “look” like a disability to those on the outside—but the fatigue, the stiffness, the unpredictable…
When people hear “rheumatoid arthritis,” they often picture joint pain, swelling, and maybe some stiffness in the mornings. But let me tell you, after years of working closely with patients as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand that the hidden symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are where things get tricky. These symptoms can fly under…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause jaw pain? That’s a question I hear more often than you might think in my rheumatology clinic. Most folks associate RA with joints like the hands, wrists, or knees—but the jaw? Yes, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can absolutely be involved, and when it is, it’s not just annoying—it can really interfere…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause facial swelling? It’s a question I hear more often than you’d think. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients come in worried about puffiness in their cheeks or swelling around their eyes, wondering if it’s related to their RA or something else entirely. And I get it — when something…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause shortness of breath? If you’ve ever worked in rheumatology—or lived with RA yourself—you’ve probably heard this question more than once. As a nurse practitioner in the field, I’ve had countless patients bring this up, usually after a flare-up or a bout of unexplained fatigue. It’s not something we always associate with…
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering about rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and how blood tests can help with the diagnosis. Maybe you’ve been experiencing some joint pain or discomfort, or maybe you’ve already been diagnosed and want to know how blood tests play into the process. Well, you’re in the right place! As…