Hello. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a long-term condition, in which spinal and other joints can become inflamed and can lead to spinal joints becoming fused in fixed positions. The disease progression of AS can be highly unpredictable. In general, the treatment follows a multi-modal approach: exer...

Hi, I'm sorry to hear this. It sounds very frustrating for you. Very well done on losing the weight. Without examining you in person, it is not possible to say whether it is your knee or your hip that is causing the problem. There are a number of possibilities when it comes to diagnosing the problem...

Hello, Dr Wendy Holden and Matthew Rogers have set out some wonderful resources for people with arthritis. Your husband might also like to look at the Escape Pain website (https://escape-pain.org/), which also has some lovely resources, exercise videos and printable sheets. Just to repeat what Dr Ho...

Hello, Matthew has given some excellent resources for you. You might also like to ask your GP for a referral to your nearest Hands Therapy unit. The therapists there (usually physiotherapists and occupational therapists) specialise in hands and wrists. They are highly experienced and will be best-pl...

Exercise helps to keep joints (specifically the hyaline cartilage) nourished and lubricated, it also helps to strengthen and stretch the structures around the joints, both of which help to protect joints. You might like to ask your GP to refer you to physiotherapy for an assessment. Your physiothera...

It would be worth consulting your GP to ask for a referral to physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will assess you to determine the extent of your hypermobility, specific strengths and weaknesses, and biomechanical issues. He/she should then be able to prescribe specific/targeted exercises to help wi...

In general, exercising has been shown to be associated with a reduction in pain rather than an increase. Having said that, it would be worth chatting to your GP and asking for a referral to physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist will assess you to determine specific strengths/weaknesses/biomechanical i...

I agree with everything Matthew Rogers has set out and won't "reinvent the wheel", but can I just add: - regarding swimming, yes that can be difficult for people with knee pain. If you have a suitable pool nearby, you could try walking laps instead. The water will reduce the impact on your...

Your GP should be able to refer you to a Hands Therapy Unit local to you. Hands therapists are usually occupational therapists and/or physiotherapists who specialise in conditions of the hand/wrist. They are highly specialised therapists and will be able to help with targeted exercises, manual thera...

Hi, Sharon If your GP is able to refer you to a local Hands Therapy Unit, the hands therapists will be able to advise on: - suitable exercises for your fingers - assistive devices, including pain relieving devices such as compression gloves, taping, coban wrapping, etc They may also be able to help ...