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advice the expert guy Brain is a helpline worker for arthritis Care. You can call the helpline free on 0808 800 4050 Q i have osteoarthritis in my hands, which can be stiff. the arthritis in my back can also make my hands numb and tingly, and it can be difficult to grip things. im dreading the cold weather as my hands can play up do you have any suggestions as to what i can do? jean, 63, via email guy brain answers: Im sorry to hear your hands are causing you concern. If you havent seen a specialist, it may be worth talking to your GP. It can be helpful to note down a few examples of any problems you are having, such as pain affecting sleep, mood, preparing food or holding things. A good first referral is often to a musculoskeletal (MSK) service for investigations, or to a physiotherapist if there is no MSK service in your area. The MSK /physiotherapists can review your daily routine for self-managing your arthritis. Are you doing stretches/moves/exercises for arthritis? Is your weight well controlled? Are there particular troublespots in your day? If your arthritis has altered, how you manage it may need to change and physiotherapists are good at practical solutions. If you are having problems with opening things, using taps or personal care, it will be worth getting in touch with the occupational therapy service at your local council, which can assess your needs for independent living. Here are a few general hints and tips: n Warm your hands with warm water before doing any hand exercises n Rubbing an anti-inflammatory gel on them can be soothing n On a cold day or a bad day for your grip wearing very thin cotton gloves indoors may help with opening things such as door handles. Our booklet Independent living and arthritis has information about gadgets. Find it here: www.arthritiscare.org.uk/independentliving Here at the helpline, we provide information, support, and tell you what the recommended self management may be, but we dont offer medical advice. If the situation is more complicated, why not call us on our freephone number 0808 800 4050 to talk it over? Even if you have a lot of experience with selfmanaging your arthritis, its worth having a chat.