Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a full-time job. Trust me—I’ve walked alongside so many patients in the trenches as a rheumatology nurse practitioner, and I get it. The pain, the fatigue, the emotional toll—it all adds up. But here’s the thing: lifestyle really does make a difference. That’s why I’ve put together…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic cough? If you’ve ever wondered that, you’re not alone. Working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had more than a handful of patients come in worried about this exact symptom. It’s not the kind of question you hear every day, but it’s one that deserves attention. People often associate rheumatoid…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause swollen lymph nodes? This is a question I hear more often than you might think—usually from patients who are already overwhelmed by joint pain, fatigue, and the laundry list of RA symptoms they’re trying to manage. It’s a fair question, and honestly, not one that’s talked about nearly enough. As a…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a well-known autoimmune condition, primarily affecting the joints. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how it can cause significant pain, stiffness, and other debilitating symptoms. However, there’s a question I often get from patients: “Can rheumatoid arthritis cause sciatica-like pain?” It’s a great question because while RA is mainly…
Can rheumatoid arthritis affect your teeth and gums? Honestly, that’s a question I hear more often than you’d think—especially after someone sits in my exam room and starts connecting the dots between joint pain and those weird dental issues they’ve been brushing off. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had a front-row seat to just…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner with years of hands-on experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with countless patients who struggle with the complexities of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One of the most common questions I get from my patients, especially those dealing with the more debilitating symptoms, is: “Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic fatigue syndrome…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that often affects the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It’s a condition that I, as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, encounter regularly in my practice, and one of the most common questions patients ask is, “Does rheumatoid arthritis get worse with age?” While this question doesn’t…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you know how challenging it can be to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. The pain and stiffness from joint inflammation can sometimes make it feel like working out is out of the question. But here’s the truth: staying active is one of the best things you…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with patients who struggle with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s a complex, often debilitating condition that causes inflammation in the joints and can lead to severe pain, stiffness, and long-term damage. One thing I’ve noticed over the years is how much lifestyle factors, particularly…