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…
Nighttime swelling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be frustrating and painful. It’s more than just a nuisance—it can interfere with sleep, affect your energy levels, and make mornings harder. Understanding why swelling happens at night, and what you can do about it, may help you better manage your RA and feel more in control. Understanding…
If you’ve ever struggled with rheumatoid arthritis and the connection to dry eyes, trust me—you’re not imagining things. I see this combination more often than you’d think in my rheumatology practice. Patients come in expecting to talk about joint pain, and the next thing you know, we’re knee-deep in a conversation about gritty eyes, blurred…
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 swollen lymph nodes? This is a question I hear more often than you might think—usually from patients who are already overwhelmed by joint pain, fatigue, and the laundry list of RA symptoms they’re trying to manage. It’s a fair question, and honestly, not one that’s talked about nearly enough. As a…
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…
If you’re like many of my patients—and honestly, like some of my own family members—you’ve probably typed “Rheumatoid Arthritis relief” into Google more than once, hoping for something real. I get it. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s been in the trenches for years, I’ve seen firsthand how relentless RA can be. The stiffness, the…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like you’re constantly trying to outsmart your own immune system. It’s not just about managing pain—it’s about anticipating flare-ups before they knock you off your feet. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked side by side with hundreds of patients navigating this rollercoaster, and I’ve learned that the best…
Ever notice your joints seem to get more stubborn when the temperature drops? I’ve heard this question so many times in clinic: is rheumatoid arthritis worse in cold weather? And let me tell you—based on my years of experience as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, the answer isn’t as black and white as we’d all like….