I HAVE a sore right thumb and I can't grab hold of anything with it.

The pain has now started in my left thumb slightly and I am slightly worried.

THERE are a number of reasons why you may have pain in your thumbs.

It may be that you have had a minor injury or that you may have an over-use injury.

Over-use injuries are known as repetitive strain injuries.

It may also be that there is the beginning of some wear and tear in the joints however this is more usual in older people.

The only way to be certain of what may be the cause would be to arrange an appointment with your GP and have a quick examination done.

There is absolutely no urgency for you to have this done and provided you feel well otherwise, a short period of two to three weeks where you rest the joints as much as possible and take regular pain relief may see the problem subside and go away.

I HAVE had a problem with my bowels for a good few years - I basically suffer from constipation all the time and have to use laxatives.

CONSTIPATION can be an upsetting problem so it's perfectly understandable that you would seek advice.

You are acquainted with the 'over-the- counter remedies' and you may have had a discussion with your pharmacist about what things can help.

Apart from medication, there is a wide range of foods that are high in fibre, which aids the movement of food through the gut.

Make sure you are drinking enough water throughout the day.

If you have not had a conversation with your pharmacist, that would be another place to start.

It would also be a good idea to speak to your GP about the ongoing issues you are having.

This is a common problem but with a few small changes, your situation should improve.

WHAT IS... AN OVERACTIVE THYROID?

OVERACTIVE thyroid, also known as hyperthyroidism, is a condition that occurs when there is too much thyroid hormone in the body. If you have an overactive thyroid, you may notice:

l a swelling in your neck

l uncoordinated heartbeat and pulse

l a rapid resting heart rate

l a tremor

l warm, moist skin

l redness on the palms of your hands

l loosening of your nails in their nail beds

l itchy skin with raised itchy swellings

l patchy hair loss

l twitching in your face and limbs

Overactive thyroid can be treated using medicines to slow the production of hormones, radiotherapy and in some cases surgery. If not successfully controlled, it can cause irregular heart rhythms and osteoporosis.