Science Questions

hazel smith asked the Naked Scientists: Would you kindly advise if there is any proof that copper bracelets help with the arthritic pain following a wrist fracture. Hoping to hear from you. Thank you for your help. Regards, Hazel Smith What do you think?

None as far as I know - and I have had arthritis for 43 years.

But do you wear a copper bracelet?

I rather suspect that claims supporting the relief of arthritis, rheumatism and whatever by copper or magnetic or some such other bracelets are made by people who are in some way connected to the trade in ............ copper and magnetic bracelets. I should think the only effect they have is the unsightly marks they can leave on your wrist.

If you want to give it a try, how about the cheap & easy option. Strip the insulating plastic off an old piece of electric wire and wrap it around your wrist. If you conceive some benefit, buy yourself a pretty bracelet, if not you haven't wasted your money by lining some charlatan's pocket with it.

NB. When wearing the copper wire, don't plug it into the mains electricity supply!

Here is a podcast that discusses the evidence within the realm of "Magic Jewelry"  - Skeptoid #84, by Brian Dunning

ref: copper bracelet for arthritis, you have had arthritis for 43 years, what type of arthritis do you have? the copper bracelet works for osteoarthritis and not rheumatoid, i am an arthritis sufferer but do not use the copper bracelet as the drugs are enough but have tried them. so don't knock it till u tried it.

"so don't knock it till u tried it."

Unfortunately anecdote is not sufficient evidence for anything.

My mother had severe arthritis. She found comfort in all sorts of things from bracelets to herbs to necklaces and all sorts of things. She felt better every time she made a switch to a new thing. She made it through life with lots of pain and the placebo effect.

There was a piece of research reported a while back (sorry, I've forgotten all the details, google might help if you're interested) that showed that women who'd worn a (gold) wedding band for many years had less arthritis in the joint nearest to the band.. but only in that joint. So short of wearing gold bands on every joint for decades not much preventative/theraputic help. Interesting, though...

Hi dear friends,

I rather suspect that claims supporting the relief of arthritis, rheumatism and whatever by copper or magnetic or some such other bracelets are made by people.

I should think the only effect they have is the unsightly marks they can leave on your wrist.

Is there an echo around here? With added spam!

I told you we should be worried!