Copper bracelets

[naomi24]

Does the wearing of a copper bracelet really help alleviate the pain and swelling of arthritis?

[emmatodd2003]

im not sure if there is scientific proof but my old teacher used to have arthritis in his hand and my dad made him a bracelet and it relieved it quite a bit from what i remember

[sqad617]

No, there is no scientific proof that copper bracelets help either rheumatoid or osteo arthritis. HOWEVER, no harm in trying and if it helps who cares about scientific proof? My gut feelinf is that you have rheumatoid arthritis

[shaneystar2]

No harm in trying it although it may leave a green mark on your wrist ! But that's about all it will do . They could help I suppose with mild arthritic pain but quite frankly I am riddled with arthritis and have rheumatoid attacks and they are about as much use as a chocolate teapot .

[naomi24]

Thanks everyone.

[angussyung]

No scientific proof that they work.However if you believe it does, it probably will! Cool eh? Placebo effect!

[LouUK]

I know more people who swear by Magnetic braclets and there is scientific proof they work. You can get some really nice ones, that look like ornamental jewellery (instead of theraputic)

[angussyung]

LouUK. Sure, some people swear by them (placebo), but there is NO firm evidence they work. Believe me on this, i work in the health industry and researched long and hard, with a view to purchasing a company that sells copper bracelets. I saw nothing that proved they work, only a few positive responses from some people = placebo. Furthermore, I have 2 bracelets, and they have done nothing for me.

[Bellringer]

I've worn one for years now. If for whatever reason I leave it off for about a week my knees swell with arthritis.
It may be all in the mind but it works for me.

[LouUK]

Hi, I mentioned Magetic Bracelets (although I did spell it wrong).

http://www.arc.org.uk/newsviews/press/dec2004/ magbrace.htm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4101045.stm

http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/329/74 80/1450

Here is research evidence, I do tend to trust the BMJ

[angussyung]

Yeah, very convincing. Funny how they all mention placebo!
Im not getting into an arguement with anyone, as we all have our own opinion, but I remain unconvinced by copper/magnetic bracelets. I stand by that if you believe that they will work they probably will, but there is NO physiological/biological/scientific proof that they work.

[sqad617]

Just to comment upon LouUK.....the evidence from the BMJ WAS clear...slight improvement in the group woth bracelets, but not clear whether or not it was due to placebo. Interesting facts.
(1) small group in study
(2) Only patients with Osteo arthritis were admiited.
(3) Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis were excluded. WHY?
(4) My guess would be that in the latter group there would be clear evidence that copper bracelets were useless, aand that as ARTHRITIS is a commonly used word for any joint disorder, the poor results would reflect on the sale of bracelets

[shaneystar2]

Well..I look at it this way ..I was struck down with rheumatoid arthritis about ten years ago ..luckily it was not so severe and has burnt itself out more or less although I still have attacks of burning pain in my joints. RT attacks the immune system.. However I have severe osteoarthritis ..whole body ..and I have tried all these copper bracelet things and magnet thingys ....load of rubbish .As I said they may help with mild pain ..but I fail to see ,when arthritis is eating away at your joints and bones and you are in severe pain what earthly use they are. There is no cure for any arthritic condition apart from joint replacement and even then that is not always successful.
A magnetic bracelet has no effect whatsoever on my dodgy knees,hips,elbows ,hands, feet or anything else !! If they were any good I would be decked out in the ruddy things from head to toe.

[naomi24]

Thanks everyone. It can't do any harm to give them a try.