If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know all too well the struggle of waking up with stiff, swollen joints that make getting out of bed feel like a challenge. RA and morning swelling relief isn’t just about comfort—it’s about reclaiming your day and your independence. Over the years as a Rheumatology nurse…
If you’ve ever wondered, is RA genetic or acquired?, you’re definitely not alone. I get asked this almost daily in my clinic—and honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) can feel like such a mystery when it first hits, especially because symptoms often creep in slowly before roaring to life. As…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) means navigating a lot of unexpected challenges—one of which, surprisingly, is how RA affects nail health. From my years as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how patients often overlook their nails when managing their disease. Yet, nails can tell us a lot about what’s happening beneath the surface,…
If you’ve been living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you probably know firsthand how frustrating it can be when something as simple as walking becomes a challenge. RA and walking limitations often go hand in hand, and understanding why this happens can make a big difference in managing daily life. From my years as a rheumatology…
Let’s be real—when you’re juggling flares, fatigue, and the never-ending list of meds, thinking about your daily water intake might feel like the last thing on your mind. But as a rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s worked with hundreds of patients living with RA, I’ve seen firsthand how something as simple as staying hydrated can make…
If you’ve ever wondered, can RA cause itchy skin?—you’re definitely not alone. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is well-known for causing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, but many people, including some of my patients, are surprised to learn that skin symptoms like itchiness can also show up. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen…
If you’ve ever experienced an aching jaw that just won’t quit and you’ve been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might be surprised to learn that the two could be connected. RA and jaw pain explained—that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen patients caught off guard by this…
Night sweats and rheumatoid arthritis — if you’ve ever experienced these two together, you know it’s more than just an annoying symptom. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this uncomfortable combo can disrupt sleep, affect daily life, and even cause anxiety for those trying to manage their condition. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t…
It always catches people off guard—when they tell me their neck makes that crunchy, grinding sound and I gently ask, “Has anyone ever talked to you about RA and neck cracking pain?” As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve heard it more times than I can count. That unexpected creak in the neck? It might not…