Introduction
Have you ever heard of copper jewelry being used to help alleviate the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis? It may sound surprising, but there is some evidence that wearing certain types of copper jewelry can have a positive effect on arthritic symptoms. But what is it about copper jewelry that could possibly provide such benefit, and how effective is it really? In this article, we’ll explore these questions and examine the potential effectiveness of copper jewelry for pain relief from arthritis.
Definition
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that results from the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. It typically occurs in joints located where two bones come together, such as in the fingers, hips and knees. Osteoarthritis is most often caused by age-related wear and tear but can also be caused by injuries or other conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. It mainly affects joints but can also cause inflammation in other parts of the body such as vision, skin, heart and lungs. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for controlling inflammation and preventing damage to joints and organs. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown, but genetics seems to play a role in its development.
Copper Properties
Wearing copper jewelry has become increasingly popular as a potential remedy for ailments such as arthritis. As with any home-remedy, however, it’s important to consult with your doctor or healthcare professional before making any medical decisions. According to Arthritis Research UK, there is some evidence that wearing copper bracelets does relieve pain and inflammation in some people who suffer from arthritis in their hands. Arthritissufferers are thought to absorb the trace amounts of copper found in these bracelets, potentially due to an ionic reaction between the two metals – known as the Faraday Effect. Studies suggest that this could reduce stiffness and pain in arthritic joints over time.
It should also be noted that more research needs to be done before making a definitive conclusion on the efficacy of copper jewelry for treating arthritis. Additionally, findings show other minerals, such as electrum and hematite have been used with limited success. The available research and clinical studies are ongoing and inconclusive at this time. This means that further evidence is needed to determine whether wearing certain types of metal jewellery can truly help reduce symptoms linked with arthritis before healthcare professionals can recommend it confidently as a treatment option.
Studies & Research
There is some evidence to suggest that wearing copper jewelry can help improve symptoms of arthritis. A few studies have been conducted in this area, with varying results. One study, conducted in 2007 and published in Rheumatology International, involved 25 individuals who wore copper bracelets for 8 hours a day over a period of 4 weeks. The results showed that wearing the bracelets reduced pain and tenderness from osteoarthritis in 19 out of the 25 participants.
However, a later study from 2014 that looked at 52 individuals found mixed results: some experienced an improvement in pain and stiffness while others did not. Thus, it’s hard to draw any definitive conclusions about the efficacy of copper jewelry in improving symptoms of arthritis without looking at additional research studies.
Another study, published in 2017 by BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine and based on survey data from 650 respondents who had used copper jewellery to treat their symptoms found that 74% of individuals felt they had benefitted from wearing the jewellery. However, this type of study does not provide conclusive evidence as it relies on subjective rather than objective data collected over an extended period of time.
Overall, the evidence regarding whether or not copper jewelry can be used to treat arthritis is mixed. It seems likely that individual factors may play a role in determining how effective the therapy is for some people; however, further research is needed to better understand its potential benefits for those living with arthritis symptoms.
Anecdotal Evidence
Copper jewelry has been touted as a possible remedy to ease the pain of arthritis for centuries. Anecdotal evidence abounds, with stories of individuals experiencing relief from wearing various types of copper jewelry. One such story takes place in the United Kingdom, where a woman who had been suffering from chronic back pain attributed her “miraculous” recovery to wearing a copper bracelet given to her by a friend. Similarly, in Scotland, 81-year-old Jock Martin commented that his copper wristbands had made it easier for him to do everyday tasks despite his hip joint arthritis. Additionally, there are accounts from multiple countries of people wearing copper rings and having their hand joints feel better and movement restored. While these tales can be encouraging, medical research is needed to accurately assess oral doses or topical applications of products containing copper for osteoarthritis symptom relief.
The Pros & Cons
There is some evidence that copper jewelry may help people with arthritis as it has been said to reduce swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Copper is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help reduce the aches and pains associated with arthritis. Additionally, copper works as a natural chelator, and therefore can help eliminate harmful toxins from the body.
However, there are potential side effects of wearing copper jewelry that must be considered. Some people experience an allergic reaction to certain metals or materials, commonly referred to as “nickel allergy.” This is not necessarily caused by nickel but often occurs in response to chafing or contact dermatitis. Wearing any jewelry may also change your skin color in the area where it contacts your skin which could produce an unsightly green hue if contact is prolonged or excessive. Regular cleaning of any metal jewelry will minimize this issue but it should be taken into account when wearing copper jewelry for extended periods of time. In addition, those with kidney disease may want to exercise caution before buying or wearing copper jewelry since too much copper can be toxic in higher amounts. Lastly, some communities have high concentrations of mineral components present in local drinking water like iron and sulfur; if combined with regular wear of copper jewelry it could potentially cause discoloration on fingers and hands due to oxidization of these particles mixed with sweat coming into contact with the metal around finger joints.
Conclusion
Finding the right type of copper jewelry for relief from arthritis is an important step. For maximum relief, the jewelry should be made with pure copper and be free of any potential allergies. Look for quality designs that are not too heavy, so they can easily sit against skin without any discomfort. Before wearing any copper jewelry make sure to clean it properly and also to check for any reactions. Additionally, when selecting a bracelet or necklace, select pieces which fit snugly against your wrist and neck respectively in order to maximize the contact between your skin and the metal itself. For effectiveness, wear your piece consistently over multiple days – this will help to deliver relief. Finally, do speak with your doctor before embarking on a course of treatment with copper jewelry.
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