Hello Rachael, Some people with psoriatic arthritis also have a problem with inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints. This tends to cause pain which is worse in the morning and better with stretching, later on in the day and anti-inflammatory medicines. Disease modifying medicines such as su...

Hello, You are definitely doing the right thing by trying to exercise but it can be very difficult if everything hurts. I wonder if you may also have fibromyalgia which is often worse after too much exercise and is common in people with rheumatoid arthritis. If so, you may be doing too much exercise...

Hello Linda, Using weights will not lead to osteoarthritis. Our joints are meant to be used and exercise does not damage them - marathon runners do not develop osteoarthritis in the knees and hips for example. Weight training and aerobic exercise are two of the most important things that you can do ...

Hello, If your pain is predictable, for example it always happens if you do certain activities, then you should take your pain killers before the pain rather than after because then it can be easier to control. If your pain is unpredictable or if you want to try some other things rather than relying...

Hello, I'm sorry to hear your story- it sounds as though you have been through a terrible time. Rheumatologists are doctors who aim to prevent joint damage and disability in people who have inflammatory and other types of arthritis which is caused by a problem with the immune system. Once the inflam...

Hello Garry, Osteoarthritis used to be thought of as a progressive degenerative condition but we now know that this is definitely not the case. There are lots of things that you can do to help yourself and as you have already discovered, exercise is a great start. Sleep disturbance can, in itself, m...

Nabiximols is a cannabis extract which is already available in the form of "Sativex" for spasm as a result of multiple sclerosis and neuropathic pain, which is pain due to a problem with the nerves. Although some people with chronic pain use cannabis in various forms, the evidence that it ...

Hello Desiree, It sounds as though you have been through a difficult time. If you have constant pain it is important that you get the correct diagnosis as there are many possibilities, so if one GP has not been helpful you should seek advice from another and if necessary ask to be referred to a spec...

Hello Denny, It sounds as though you may be starting to feel the symptoms of osteoarthritis in your knees. The good news is that there is a lot that you can do to help yourself. First, trying to keep to a healthy weight can really help - losing just a few kilograms can reduce knee pain by as much as...

Yes, definitely. There are lots of things that you can try. Hands-on therapies such as physiotherapy, osteopathic or chiropractic treatment or massage may help. Stretching, yoga, Tai Chi and Plates may all be of benefit, as may acupuncture. Advice on your posture may be appropriate if you spend a lo...