Turmeric for Patients With Basal Joint Arthritis

A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Turmeric for Patients With Basal Joint Arthritis

The aim of this study is to assess whether the use of a commercially available nutraceutical, turmeric, is an effective option to manage pain and stiffness in patients with basal joint arthritis. To conduct a pilot Randomized Controlled Trial evaluating the impact of turmeric on basal joint arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 40 years of age or older
• English fluency and literacy
• Seeking care for basal joint pain
• Tender over basal joint
• Positive distraction rotation test (rotation of the thumb metacarpal base while applying axial traction)
• Radiographic evidence of Eaton stage 1 and 2 only

Exclusion Criteria:

• Secondary gains (litigations or worker compensation) procedures that may interfere with patients' motivation for treatment
• Inability or unwillingness to participate in a trial study
• Rheumatoid Arthritis or other inflammatory disorder diagnoses
• Post-traumatic osteoarthritis
• Patients on Coumadin/Steroids/NSAIDs/Tylenol
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Pregnant or lactating women
• Basal joint arthritis of Eaton stage 3
• Patients seeking other treatment for their basal joint arthritis (splint, corticosteroid injection, surgery)