Can rheumatoid arthritis cause numbness in feet? That’s actually one of the more common (and confusing) questions I get asked in my clinic. You’d think joint pain and swelling would be the main issue with RA—and they are—but when a patient starts describing tingling toes or a “pins and needles” sensation in their feet, it…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis can feel like you’re constantly trying to outsmart your own immune system. It’s not just about managing pain—it’s about anticipating flare-ups before they knock you off your feet. As a Rheumatology nurse practitioner, I’ve walked side by side with hundreds of patients navigating this rollercoaster, and I’ve learned that the best…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve sat across from countless patients who’ve asked me the same thing in different ways: “What are early warning signs of rheumatoid arthritis?” It’s a question I wish more people asked sooner, because with RA, timing really matters. Rheumatoid arthritis is sneaky—it doesn’t always come on with fireworks. Sometimes it…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic sinus infections? That’s a question I get more often than you’d expect—and one I’ve found myself digging into more than once both professionally and personally. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen patients raise their eyebrows at the connection between their relentless sinus pressure and their autoimmune condition. If you’ve…
If you’ve ever had a patient sit across from you, eyes wide with frustration and pain, asking, “Why am I flaring up again when I haven’t missed a dose of my meds?”, you’re not alone. I’ve heard this more times than I can count. And one of the most overlooked triggers I often find myself…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of guiding countless patients through their journeys with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One thing I’ve come to understand is how important the right nutrition is in managing the condition. Many individuals living with RA are looking for natural ways to reduce inflammation, and one of the best…
If you’ve ever wondered, can rheumatoid arthritis cause chronic headaches?—you’re not alone. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had plenty of patients sit across from me, rubbing their temples and saying, “Tarra, I thought this was just joint pain. Why does my head hurt all the time too?” Trust me, it’s a question worth exploring….
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), wrist pain can be one of the most challenging symptoms to manage. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how debilitating it can be for patients, affecting everything from daily tasks like typing and cooking to more personal activities like holding hands or simply turning a doorknob….
Ever notice your joints seem to get more stubborn when the temperature drops? I’ve heard this question so many times in clinic: is rheumatoid arthritis worse in cold weather? And let me tell you—based on my years of experience as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, the answer isn’t as black and white as we’d all like….