Background
Some historians date the use of copper to treat arthritis back to the early Greeks, who believed copper relieved aches and pains. Copper, an essential mineral in the body, helps keep blood vessels, the immune system and bones healthy. The practice of wearing copper bracelets for arthritis began about 100 years ago. It was rumored that this helped relieve arthritis symptoms. But it may have been the natural waning of the disease that improved problems, says Dr. James McKoy, a rheumatologist with the Arthritis Foundation. Copper is believed to have antioxidant properties to prevent free radicals from damaging joints. Copper bracelets became a popular idea for fighting arthritis because it is thought copper salts can be absorbed through the skin from the bracelet. But doctors do not believe the skin can absorb enough of the copper salts to have an effect on the molecules that damage joints.
Studies
A study of 300 people compared the wearing of copper bracelets to wearing bracelets that were painted to look copper, as reported in "Agents Actions" in 1976. A significant number of people said they had relief from wearing the actual copper bracelets. The copper bracelets also lost weight, suggesting the copper had been absorbed into the skin. But there have not been enough studies to show the wearing of copper bracelets makes a difference. A recent study of 45 arthritis sufferers aged 50 and older revealed there was no difference in symptoms when wearing copper bracelets, magnetic straps or de-magnetized straps, the October 2009 issue of Complementary Therapies in Medicine reported. Researchers from the universities of York and Hull and Durham University in England conducted the study over a 16-week period. The Arthritis Foundation reports there is no scientific research to prove the effectiveness from copper bracelets, nor is there enough research to prove there aren't any benefits.
Diet
Doctors say the wearing of copper bracelets would only have a placebo effect that makes people think the bracelets are working. Wearing such a bracelet does no harm as long as it is inexpensive. It could even help if it does have a psychological benefit. Many arthritis sufferers may think the wearing of copper bracelets is a quick fix to their problem. But doctors and nutritionists recommend a diet rich in antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, and getting copper through well-balanced meals or multivitamin supplements, which could help fight arthritis in the long run along with therapies.
