Plus the Official Word on Magnetic Bracelets
Copper bracelets have been touted as a treatment for arthritis symptoms.
But does this alternative treatment actually have legs?
The limited research on this concept suggests that wearing copper bracelets isnt an effective treatment for arthritis.
IAN HOOTON/SPL / Getty Images
It was reportedly first used by ancient Egyptians for sterilization purposes.
In the late 1800s, physicians began using copper as a treatment for arthritis.
Proponents of medicinal copper treatments believe that copper may play a part in tissue repair.
Wait, isnt copper a heavy metal?
Why do people think it can impact our health?
Copperis an essential mineral.
you’re able to find it in the human body, but only in trace amounts.
Its critical for the formation of red blood cells.
Its role in keeping the immune system healthy might be why people think its a potential treatment for arthritis.
Dietary Sources of Copper
Our bodies dont naturally produce copper.
We get it from our food.
There are even fewer that explore the usefulness of wearing copper in bracelet form for arthritis relief.
The study found that none of the devices had a statistically significant effect in reducing arthritis symptoms.
People didnt experience better physical function or lower medication use when wearing any of the devices.
They’re instead due to a persons belief that the treatment is effective.
Be wary of magnetic arthritis treatments, though.
If you wear a pacemaker or another implantable gear, wearing a magnetic bracelet can be dangerous.
Other Alternative Treatments
Living with arthritis can be difficult.
The pain and inflammation may come and go.
However, when symptoms happen, they can be debilitating and leave people unable to perform daily activities.
They may help manage symptoms like pain and stiffness.
However, they may still produce side effects.
People who want to try supplements to treat arthritis should consult a doctor to avoid interactions.
There are plenty of positive consumer reviews regarding the supposed benefits of Copper Hands.
However, there is no clinical evidence that Copper Hands provide actual relief from arthritis symptoms.
Copper Development Association.Medical uses of copper in antiquity.
2013;8(9):e71529.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0071529
Harvard Medical School.The power of the placebo effect.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Osteoarthritis: In depth.
Cleveland Clinic.Arthritis of the wrist and hand: Management and treatment.
2019;15(3):209-214. doi:10.2174/1573397115666190121135940