If you think rheumatoid arthritis in young adults sounds like a contradiction, you’re definitely not alone. I’ve had more than a few patients look at me in disbelief when I bring up RA as a possible diagnosis—especially those in their 20s and 30s. Most folks picture their grandparents when they hear the word “arthritis”, not…
If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself deep into research late at night, wondering if natural healing from RA is truly possible. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner who’s walked this road alongside many patients—and to be honest, even had my own brief scare with autoimmune inflammation—I’ve come to understand there’s more to rheumatoid…
Let’s talk about something I see a lot in my clinic as a rheumatology nurse practitioner—rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on joint lubrication. Trust me, it’s a topic that doesn’t get enough attention, yet it plays such a key role in how RA progresses and how people feel day to day. Joint lubrication might sound…
If you’ve ever watched someone struggle to open a jar or rise from a chair with a grimace, you may have seen the quiet grip of rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on joint flexibility in action. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen this disease not just as a list of symptoms on a chart,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis lead to heart disease? It’s a question I hear a lot in my practice, and honestly, it’s a super important one. When patients first come to see me, they’re usually focused on their joint pain, swelling, and fatigue — understandably so. But very few realize that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is more than…
When someone asks me, “Tarra, can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic migraines?” my first instinct is to say, it’s complicated—and that’s exactly what makes this question so interesting and worth unpacking. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) doesn’t just attack joints; it can affect the entire body in surprising ways,…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis and skin sensitivity issues is something many people don’t talk about enough—but it’s real, and it can be frustrating. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how skin flare-ups can sometimes be just as uncomfortable as joint pain. My patients often walk in for joint issues and then hesitantly mention,…
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect memory? This question pops up more often than you might think, especially from patients and families navigating the day-to-day challenges of living with RA. From my experience as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition goes far beyond just joint pain and stiffness. It can also touch…
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause kidney problems? you’re definitely not alone. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I get this question a lot from patients who are navigating the complexities of RA beyond just joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is often thought of as a disease that mainly attacks joints, but in reality,…