Too many years of aspirin and NSAIDS have done a number on my body. I tried turmeric root, and found it "too putzy" for my life that includes a lot of busy days and travel.

A friend with RA, who also cannot use NSAIDS, nor most RA drugs, recommended curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) capsules. I did a bit of reading and, like @susanop found it works best in combination. I tried with ginger first, not too helpful. Then another friend said he found the ones with pepper worked better for him, so I got some. YES- the right combo. Being sensitive to meds, I started with 2 capsules a day and it helped. Then I asked my pain rehab doc what more I could do and she told me to double the amount. Now I am at 1200 mg/day and it is just about right for me.

In combination with daily paraffin baths and Voltaren gel, I think I have things about "as good as it gets" for my hands most days. And a lot of stretching and strengthening exercises. Even after 2 days this week of packing, hauling bags through airports, and two 4 hour flights, I am just stiff and tired today, not in terrible pain.
Sue