Hi Sue, Some people find finger or wrist splinting can offer support and ease pain on bad days. I suppose it might be worth considering the gel option (if it's inexpensive), but best of all would be to get some medical advice about your hands. The first referral after the GP would generally be to a ...

Hi Linda, Thanks for your post. The key thing with exercise is to do things that seem to suit you. If your body is achy and sore very often you might want to see a physiotherapist and see what they suggest. Your GP can refer you if they think it's a good idea. With all exercise it's important to war...

Hi Franky, Thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear about the foot pain. Does the GP think osteoarthritis has developed in the foot? If so, shock absorbing foot ware can be helpful to compensate for the loss of cartilage. If medication is tricky for you it can be worth exploring as much self-manageme...

Hi, thanks for your post. If you are concerned about your skin, you may need to mention it to both your GP and rheumatology team. They may need to consider if any drug interactions for example. You may need to ask for a referral to a dermatologist if you don't get any joy. I hope you are able to fin...

Hi Rainbow55, Thanks for your post. One of the fastest and most practical ways to get on the right track can be to see a physiotherapist - they can examine, diagnose and get you moving gently. Whatever may be going on, supporting your body with the right self - management can be part of the solution...

Hi Christine, When you are wanting to improve your self - management it's often really helpful to get some advice about your overall health. If you are moving enough your muscles can compensate for some stiffness and soreness. Is your diet helping things or is it fighting you? A physiotherapist and ...

Dear JenG, Thanks for your post. I'm sorry that you are in a lot of pain at the moment. When you have been managing for a long time it can be really helpful to have some support, to re-think some strategies if things have become hard. Even if your pain is long term it's worth doing daily stretches f...

Hi Sarah12, Thanks for your post. I'm sorry to hear that your neck is sore at the moment. When it comes to your self-management you often need to be ready to try different approaches and see what works best for you. You may also want to get the physio to check your posture when you are doing everyda...

Hi Christine, Thank you for your post. It sounds like you are going through a really tough time at the moment due to the pain in your back and your arthritis. If it would help to talk things over informally and in confidence, you are very welcome to call our Arthritis Care Free Helpline 0808 800 405...

Hi Sandra, I'm sorry to hear that you are having some ongoing issues following your surgery. On one hand I can hear that the situation may be frustrating for you, and on the other it does sound as though the surgeon is trying to help. I wonder whether you might find more self - management options co...