Living with rheumatoid arthritis and anti-inflammatory lifestyle habits is more than just managing pain—it’s about taking back control of your life, one small habit at a time. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had countless conversations with patients overwhelmed by flares, stiffness, and fatigue, wondering if there’s anything beyond medications that can actually make a…
If you’ve ever had a patient look at you, eyes half-lidded, voice barely above a whisper, and say, “I’m just so tired… all the time,” then you already understand how deeply intertwined rheumatoid arthritis and the connection to autoimmune fatigue really is. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I can’t count the number of times I’ve…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the struggles that come with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s a chronic condition that can impact every aspect of a person’s life, from physical abilities to emotional well-being. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that managing RA goes beyond medication. Many patients, including some of my…
Can rheumatoid arthritis cause stomach pain? You wouldn’t believe how often I hear this question in clinic, usually right after a patient notices gut issues cropping up alongside their joint flares. At first glance, it might seem like the two aren’t connected—joints and stomach? But as someone who works closely with autoimmune patients every day,…
If you’ve ever watched someone you care about struggle to get out of bed in the morning because of joint pain—or maybe you’ve been there yourself—then you know how real and frustrating rheumatoid arthritis can be. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of walking side-by-side with patients navigating this condition daily. Over…
Rheumatoid arthritis and how to strengthen weak joints is a conversation I’ve had countless times with patients, friends, even family. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, it’s one of those topics that seems to come up a lot—usually when someone’s been dealing with nagging joint pain, stiffness that won’t quit, or that awful morning sluggishness in…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen countless patients struggle with the chronic pain and inflammation that comes with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). If you or someone you know has RA, you understand just how debilitating this autoimmune disease can be. The pain, stiffness, and fatigue can often make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. But…
Managing morning joint pain from rheumatoid arthritis is something I talk about with my patients *a lot*. If you’re living with RA, you know those early hours can feel like you’re stuck in slow motion. Your joints are stiff, achy, and not exactly in the mood to cooperate — especially when the day’s just getting…
When we think about rheumatoid arthritis and its effect on the spine, most folks picture painful, swollen fingers or knees—not aching backs. But as someone who has walked beside patients for years in Rheumatology, let me tell you: the spine, especially the neck (hello, cervical spine!), doesn’t escape RA’s wrath. I’ve had many patients sit…