Connected Rheumatology

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General Rheumatology

Understanding Lupus Hand Symptoms

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When doctors talk about lupus, the focus often lands on the kidneys. However, there’s one part of the body almost every lupus patient will face issues with: the hands. As a rheumatologist, I can tell you, the hands reveal so much and when you know what to look out for, you can alert your doc and together develop a plan. 

Lupus Arthritis: Joint Pain and Beyond

It might not surprise you to know that joint pain is a part of lupus, as it is with most autoimmune conditions. More than 90% of lupus patients will experience some form of joint pain or arthritis. But when we hear “arthritis,” we tend to think of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), not lupus, and miss the nuances of lupus arthritis.

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What RA Nodules tell us about Rheumatoid Arthritis

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Let’s dive into a topic that often doesn’t get enough attention: RA nodules. If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), you might have heard about these little bumps that can show up on your body, but what exactly are they, why do they occur, and what do they mean for your overall health? 

What Are RA Nodules?

RA nodules are small lumps that form under the skin, commonly seen in people with rheumatoid arthritis. They’re made up of scar tissue and immune cells called granulomas. You can typically find them on areas like the elbows, hands, and forearms, but they can pop up anywhere, including in internal organs such as the lungs and heart.

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Understanding Erosive Osteoarthritis

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If you or someone you know is struggling with hand arthritis, understanding this particular form of osteoarthritis is crucial.

What is Erosive Osteoarthritis?

Erosive osteoarthritis is a subtype of osteoarthritis (OA) that primarily affects the hands, particularly the knuckles of the fingers. Unlike typical OA, which many people associate with aging and general wear and tear, erosive OA is more aggressive and can lead to significant joint damage and pain.

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Talking About Your Autoimmune Pain

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Living with an autoimmune disease often means navigating a world of chronic pain. This pain can be frustrating and hard to explain, which can make it difficult to communicate effectively with your doctor. If you’re feeling like your pain isn’t being understood or taken seriously, you’re not alone—let’s discuss some ways to bridge that gap.

Why Is Autoimmune Pain So Hard to Explain?

The pain experienced with autoimmune diseases can be incredibly complex. One reason it’s so difficult to describe is because pain itself is subjective—what feels like a 3 on the pain scale for one person might feel like an 8 for someone else. Plus, autoimmune-related pain isn’t always consistent. It can flare up, calm down, and then change location or intensity from one day to the next.

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Positive ANA Test: Lupus Symptoms & Next Steps

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If you’ve recently had an ANA (antinuclear antibody) test and are feeling a bit overwhelmed, you’re not alone. A positive ANA result can stir up a lot of questions and worries, especially when it comes to conditions like lupus. 

What Does a Positive ANA Mean?

Just because your ANA test came back positive doesn’t automatically mean you have lupus. The ANA test is a tool that helps us understand more about your immune system, but it’s only one piece of the puzzle.

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