Using turmeric to manage thumb arthritis pain
A Randomized Controlled Trial Using Turmeric for Patients With Basal Joint Arthritis
This study is testing if turmeric can help people with thumb arthritis feel less pain and stiffness compared to a placebo.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Massachusetts General Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT03017118 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of turmeric, a nutraceutical, in managing pain and stiffness in patients suffering from basal joint arthritis, specifically thumb osteoarthritis. It is designed as a pilot randomized controlled trial, comparing the effects of turmeric against a placebo. Participants will be assessed for their symptoms and radiographic evidence of the condition to determine the impact of turmeric on their arthritis management.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 40 and older who are experiencing basal joint pain and have specific radiographic evidence of early-stage arthritis.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced basal joint arthritis, inflammatory disorders, or those currently receiving other treatments for their condition may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a natural and effective option for patients to alleviate pain and improve function in thumb osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of turmeric in arthritis management is gaining interest, this specific approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in similar studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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)
Where this trial is running
Boston, Massachusetts
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Neal Chen, MD — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Neal Chen, M.D.
- Email: nchen1@mgh.harvard.edu
- Phone: 617-726-4700
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.