Connected Rheumatology

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General Rheumatology

The 5 reasons you have a swollen knee

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If you’ve ever woken up to find your knee looking more like a balloon than a joint, you know it’s no walk in the park. Knee swelling is one of those things that can really throw a wrench in your day, leaving you scratching your head and wondering, “What on earth did I do to deserve this?”

The Sneaky Culprit: Overuse Injuries

So, picture this: you’ve been hitting the court hard, playing pickleball like a champ, or maybe you decided to lace up your running shoes and go for a 10-mile jog instead of your usual 3. Sounds like a recipe for knee trouble, doesn’t it? Well, it just might be.

You see, overuse injuries are like the silent assassins of joint pain. They sneak up on you when you least expect it, leaving you unable to keep active. And if you happen to have osteoarthritis, well, consider yourself even more susceptible!

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The 2 Essential Vitamins for Lupus

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Living with lupus can present numerous challenges, from managing symptoms to navigating treatment options. A big worry for everyone with lupus is the number of medications required to control inflammation and everyone is looking for a “natural alternative.” Treading through the wild west of the supplement marketplace can be tricky, but there are two vital vitamins that CAN help lupus. 

Understanding Lupus: A Complex Autoimmune Journey

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and organs. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Managing lupus requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both symptoms and underlying inflammation.

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Is your lupus active? How to read the signs of active inflammation

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Lupus is a journey filled with ups and downs, but with the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate through it and become an expert in your condition. 

Understanding Lupus: A Closer Look

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, joints, kidneys, and organs. One of the hallmarks of lupus is inflammation, where the body’s immune system attacks its tissues and organs, leading to pain, swelling, and damage.

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Understanding and Managing Dry Eye in Autoimmune Conditions

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Whether you’re dealing with dry eye as a standalone problem or as a symptom of an autoimmune condition like lupus, dry eye can be incredibly frustrating and uncomfortable. Let’s shed some light on this issue and offer practical tips for managing it effectively.

What is Dry Eye?

First things first, let’s talk about what dry eye actually is. Dry eye, also known as dry eye syndrome or keratoconjunctivitis sicca, occurs when your eyes either don’t produce enough tears or when the quality of your tears is compromised. This can lead to itchiness, redness, irritation,  or gritty sensations in the eyes but can also cause increased watering of the eyes.

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Finding another Rheumatologist

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Many individuals with autoimmune conditions face the decision to seek a new rheumatologist. This can be stressful and as a result, we put off the decision. Change can be intimidating, especially when it comes to our health. But taking the leap and finding the right fit can make a world of difference in how you feel.

Reflect on Your Experience

Take a moment to assess your experiences with your current rheumatologist. Are you consistently feeling unheard or rushed during appointments? Do you spend more time waiting in the waiting room than actually seeing your doc? Reflecting on these aspects can provide valuable insight into whether your current rheumatologist is the right fit for you and what you are looking for in your next doctor.

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