Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares can be unpredictable and painful. These episodes bring a sudden increase in joint pain, swelling, and fatigue that can disrupt your daily life. While medical treatment is often necessary, many people with RA also look for safe, natural ways to find relief at home. Understanding how RA flares work and how…
It’s something I’ve seen again and again in my clinic—women, often in their 30s to 50s, coming in with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), only to reveal they’ve recently gone through a major hormonal shift. Whether it’s postpartum changes, perimenopause, or even thyroid imbalances, there’s a *clear pattern* I can’t ignore. The RA and hormone…
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Can RA cause nausea?”—you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had several patients over the years, and even some of my own close friends living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), casually mention that uneasy, queasy feeling that sneaks up on them. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve learned that nausea is one of…
If you’ve been dealing with RA and carpal tunnel syndrome at the same time, trust me—you’re not alone. I’ve seen this combo more times than I can count in my practice as a rheumatology nurse practitioner. It’s like a one-two punch to your hands, and for patients, it can be incredibly frustrating. Carpal tunnel symptoms…
If you’ve ever been in a doctor’s office or clinic, especially in a rheumatology setting, you’ve probably heard a lot about rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had my fair share of patients with a variety of questions about this chronic autoimmune condition. One question that often comes up is, “Can rheumatoid…
If you’ve ever had a patient sit across from you, eyes wide with frustration and pain, asking, “Why am I flaring up again when I haven’t missed a dose of my meds?”, you’re not alone. I’ve heard this more times than I can count. And one of the most overlooked triggers I often find myself…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis isn’t just about managing the flare-ups and medication schedules—it’s also about navigating daily life with a chronic condition that doesn’t always play fair. In my years as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a toll RA can take—not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. That’s why I’m…