Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis in Men

May 19, 2025 ·

When people think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they often picture it as a “women’s disease.” But here’s the reality: up to one-third of RA patients are men. 💡 While the biology of RA—joint pain, swelling, and inflammation—is the same in men and women, the experience can be very different.

For starters, men may not recognize the severity of their symptoms as early as women. Sometimes, greater muscle mass can mask inflammation, making it harder for men to notice how much joint damage is happening beneath the surface. Add to that the common misconception that arthritis doesn’t happen to men, and many delay seeking help until the symptoms are unbearable.

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Advanced Testing

April 28, 2025 ·

When it comes to diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the Rheumatoid Factor (RF) test has been the standard for decades. But here’s the thing—up to 25% of people with RA don’t test positive for RF. That’s a pretty big group of people who might face unnecessary delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment.

This is where advanced testing steps in. These tests can help confirm a diagnosis of RA, even when RF is negative. If you’ve been struggling to get answers about your joint pain, it might be time to consider these options.

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Spotting RA in Your Hands

April 14, 2025 ·

Hand pain can be frustrating and confusing, especially when it starts to interfere with daily life. You may wonder: is it just part of getting older, or could it be something more serious like rheumatoid arthritis (RA)? While osteoarthritis (OA) and RA can both affect your hands, they’re very different conditions with different treatments. Let’s dive into the key signs that can help you understand what’s causing your hand pain.

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Silent Signs of RA in Your Lungs

March 31, 2025 ·

When most people think about rheumatoid arthritis (RA), they picture swollen joints, aching knees, and stiff fingers. But here’s the thing: RA isn’t just about your joints. It’s a systemic autoimmune disease that can quietly affect other parts of your body, including your lungs. Surprised? You’re not alone.

Up to 30% of people with RA develop lung complications like interstitial lung disease (ILD) or pleural disease. These conditions can often go unnoticed until symptoms like shortness of breath or a persistent cough become too big to ignore. Let’s break down what you need to know about these sneaky complications, how inflammation plays a role, and what steps you can take to protect your lungs.

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Retesting the ANA or Rheumatoid Factor

March 18, 2025 ·

Blood tests like the ANA (antinuclear antibody) and rheumatoid factor (RF) are often the first steps when a doctor suspects an autoimmune condition like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. But what happens when these tests come back negative, and your symptoms persist? Or when they’re positive but don’t seem to tell the full story? Let’s break down when retesting might make sense and how these tests fit into the bigger picture of autoimmune disease management.

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