Turmeric and Knee Arthritis — Does it Help?
A Primary Care Physician weighs in on the anti-inflammatory effects of Tumeric on joint pain.
Does the ancient ayurvedic herb turmeric really help with arthritis-related pain? According to a 2021 study published in the British Medical Journal[i], the answer is yes!
Scientists have known for years that curcumin, the active ingredient found in turmeric, can act as an anti-inflammatory. Research has shown that turmeric affects the NF kappa Beta immune response, similar to common many anti-inflammatory drugs recommended by doctors.
As a primary care physician, arthritis-related pain is one of the most common ailments I see in patients who are aged 55 and older. As we age, joints deteriorate and osteoarthritis progresses, frequently affecting the quality of life for so many over age 70. Usually, patients complain of knee pain. However, shoulders and one’s back are also commonly affected. For many, the pain and inflammation can limit one’s ability to walk or participate in outdoor activities with friends and family. Depression often results due to one’s limited abilities.
Osteoarthritis is essentially unavoidable as we age and is the most common type of arthritis in the world. It differs from rheumatoid arthritis which is the result of an auto-immune condition in which the joints are attacked by one’s immune system.
Although ubiquitous, living in severe pain does not have to be the final outcome. Over the years, I have personally recommended turmeric to not only my father and grandfather but also to hundreds of patients. I have seen favorable results. Many times, patients were able to reduce their dependence on chronic pain medications, including opiates.
Thankfully, turmeric is considered safe and does not increase the risk for stomach ulcers, kidney disease, and heart attacks like many prescription and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
In a recent 2021 study titled, Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis, the researchers screened over 5,000 scientific abstracts and finally narrowed their research down to 10 randomized controlled trials, which met their strict criteria.
In 8 of the 10 studies evaluated, half the subjects received a placebo while the other half were given a placebo pill. Neither the test subjects nor the scientists knew who received which. In 3 of the 10 studies, turmeric as compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ie. ibuprofen, naproxen). In all of the clinical studies, there were no negative side effects from the turmeric and it was well tolerated overall.
As a result of this study, the scientists concluded that when compared to placebo, turmeric benefits those with knee arthritis. In addition, the effects were similar to the effects of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Personally, I have also seen turmeric help those with shoulder, back, elbow, and hand arthritis. In my practice, I usually recommend my patients take turmeric in doses of 500 mg up 3 to 4 times per day.
Source:
[i] Paultre K, Cade W, Hernandez D, Reynolds J, Greif D, Best TM. Therapeutic effects of turmeric or curcumin extract on pain and function for individuals with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2021 Jan 13;7(1)
