Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition that causes inflammation in the joints. If you’re feeling pain behind your knees, RA could be one possible reason. This kind of pain can interfere with walking, standing, or even just getting through the day. Knowing what’s going on can help you manage symptoms early and protect your…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term condition that causes inflammation in the joints. One of the first and most noticeable symptoms for many people is a loss of grip strength. That means things like opening jars, turning doorknobs, or holding a pen can suddenly become difficult. Understanding why this happens can help you find ways…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than joint pain. It’s a chronic autoimmune condition that quietly affects other parts of the body—including bone health. Over time, many people with RA experience bone loss, which can lead to increased risk of fractures and a condition known as osteoporosis. This connection between RA and bone weakening can feel…
If you’ve ever struggled with the aches, stiffness, and fatigue that seem to hit harder than just a “bad day,” you’re definitely not alone. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of those conditions that can sneak up quietly and end up taking center stage in your daily life. And for many women, especially around midlife, there’s…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term autoimmune disease that can cause pain, swelling, and damage in the joints. One of the most visible and frustrating complications of RA is finger deformity. Over time, RA can change the shape of your fingers and make it hard to do everyday things like buttoning a shirt or holding…
Managing more than one autoimmune disease—especially when one of them is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)—can feel overwhelming. Autoimmune diseases happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body. When you have RA and other autoimmune conditions at the same time, it can affect many parts of your body and make daily life more challenging. But…
You’ve likely felt it—wrists stiff in the morning, joints swelling when you least expect it. Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a daily challenge, not only physically but mentally. When your immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints, it’s more than just pain—it’s unpredictability, fatigue, emotional strain. That’s tough. And if you’re trying to…
Does RA affect memory? That’s a question I hear more often than you’d think. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had patients look at me with a mix of frustration and fear when they say, “I feel like I’m forgetting everything lately… is it the RA?” It’s not just aches and swollen joints anymore—we’re talking…
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…