If you’ve ever been in a doctor’s office or clinic, especially in a rheumatology setting, you’ve probably heard a lot about rheumatoid arthritis (RA). As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had my fair share of patients with a variety of questions about this chronic autoimmune condition. One question that often comes up is, “Can rheumatoid…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a daily challenge, and when it comes to managing your weight, things can feel even more complicated. As someone who has spent years working as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how weight management plays a significant role in how people with RA manage their symptoms. If…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause shortness of breath? If you’ve ever worked in rheumatology—or lived with RA yourself—you’ve probably heard this question more than once. As a nurse practitioner in the field, I’ve had countless patients bring this up, usually after a flare-up or a bout of unexplained fatigue. It’s not something we always associate with…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can feel like a constant battle—one that affects not only your joints but also your overall well-being. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how RA can hold people back from staying active. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to give up exercise entirely. In fact, staying active…
If you’re someone who’s living with arthritis, particularly in your hands, then you probably know how frustrating it can be when your fingers feel cold, stiff, or just plain “off.” I get it — as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients come into the clinic saying, “My hands just don’t feel right, especially…
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…
When you’re dealing with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), finding the best anti-inflammatory snacks for rheumatoid arthritis can feel like trying to pick a winning lottery ticket. There’s just so much conflicting info out there. As a rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients who are desperate to ease joint pain without turning to another…
Balancing your health with a demanding career isn’t for the faint of heart—especially when you’re managing a chronic condition like RA. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner (and someone who’s watched countless patients try to juggle both), I know firsthand how tough it can be. So, if you’ve been wondering how to manage rheumatoid arthritis while…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause permanent disability? As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve had this question tossed at me more times than I can count—usually with a mix of fear and uncertainty in the patient’s eyes. Honestly, it’s not a simple yes or no. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) isn’t just about achy joints or occasional stiffness. It’s…