Turmeric for arthritis is worth a try

Dear Dr. Roach: I would like to know how to treat arthritis. I have been using Voltaren per my doctor’s orders, but it does not seem to be helping much. I have also been taking ibuprofen, but I am afraid of stomach bleeding. The arthritis is in my wrists and thumb. I can hardly open a doorknob or lift any small objects. Does turmeric help?

M.V.

Answer: There are several different types of arthritis of the hand, and it sounds as though your doctor has made the diagnosis of osteoarthritis, which is the most common type. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory varieties that require very different therapies.

If you have osteoarthritis, oral anti-inflammatory medicines like Voltaren or ibuprofen (but NEVER both — taking two different NSAIDs orally adds only toxicity, not effectiveness) are common and often effective treatments. Voltaren is also available as a gel, and it’s OK to use both Voltaren gel and a different oral NSAID such as ibuprofen.

However, remember that exercise improves pain and function. One set of exercises specifically for hand arthritis from the Mayo Clinic can be found at tinyurl.com/ mayo-hand.

There are studies showing benefit for turmeric and it has little toxicity, so I think it is worth a try. Similarly, Boswellia supplements have shown benefit in some people with osteoarthritis.

Dear Dr. Roach: I am a senior citizen with a history of glaucoma. My right eye has clouded up over time, but I still have vision in it. Is there any way I can cut down or eliminate the cloudiness? My doctor says there is not. Second opinion, please!

D.S.

Answer: Glaucoma is a disease of the retina. In general, vision loss from glaucoma is irreversible. That’s why it is so important to diagnose and treat glaucoma early. Treatment is aimed at preventing or at least reducing further damage. A regular eye exam can identify people with elevated intraocular pressure. Those people can then be closely monitored, or even treated.