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…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about joint pain — it’s about reclaiming your quality of life. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked alongside so many patients navigating this chronic illness. I’ve seen the exhaustion in their eyes, the stiffness in their steps, and the frustration of flares that seem to come out…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause hair thinning? This is actually one of the more common questions I get asked in clinic, and it’s not surprising. When you’re already dealing with a chronic condition like RA, the last thing you want is to look in the mirror and notice your hair looking thinner, duller, or even patchy….
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…
If you’re anything like the patients I see in clinic each week, chances are you’ve googled “how to reduce morning stiffness in fingers” more than once—usually while trying to pry your coffee mug from your aching hands. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations about that frustrating, stubborn morning stiffness that makes you…
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…
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your hearing? It’s not the first question most people think of when RA comes up in conversation, but believe me—after years of sitting across from patients, I’ve learned that rheumatoid arthritis can sneak up in some pretty surprising ways. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients walk in worried about…
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…