Copper Magnetic Bracelets » osteoarthritis

What is your opinion on this article?

Author — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 01:30:46 +0000

Bracelets 'useless' in arthritis
Magnetic wrist strap
Magnetic devices have been used for arthritis for centuries

Copper bracelets and magnetic wrist straps are useless for relieving pain in people with arthritis, say University of York researchers.

In the first tightly controlled trial to look at both alternative therapies, there was no benefit to their use for pain or stiffness.

All 45 patients tested a copper bracelet, two different magnetic wrist straps, and a demagnetised version.

An arthritis charity said people should not waste their money on the therapies.

Study leader Stewart Richmond, a research fellow in the Department of Health Sciences, said there had only been one other randomised controlled trial - comparing the treatment with placebo - on copper bracelets and that was done in the 1970s.

Although there is a big public appetite for non-drug treatments from arthritis patients, we would not encourage them to spend a lot of money on products for which there is very little scientific evidence
Jane Tadman, Arthritis Research Campaign

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The market - particularly in magnetic devices which can cost £25 and £65 for the wrist straps - is worth billions of dollars worldwide.

In the trial, 45 people aged 50 or over, who were all diagnosed as suffering from osteoarthritis wore each of the four devices in a random order over a 16-week period.

They were all ineffective in terms of pain, stiffness and physical function, the researchers reported in the journal Complementary Therapies in Medicine.

Placebo effect

"It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects," said Mr Richmond.

"People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device.

"However, our findings suggest that such devices have no real advantage over placebo wrist straps that are not magnetic and do not contain copper."

He said the marketing of the devices was often to vulnerable elderly people.

Jane Tadman from the Arthritis Research Campaign said although many people with arthritis wore copper bracelets, there was no current research that supports their use.

"Although there is a big public appetite for non-drug treatments from arthritis patients, we would not encourage them to spend a lot of money on products for which there is very little scientific evidence," she added.

The charity is in the process of compiling a report on the effectiveness of complementary therapies and arthritis.

Corona Chiropractor: Get Rid Of Your Hip Pain Now!

Author — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:37:29 +0000

Corona Chiropractor

Your Corona Chiropractor offers a valuable non-invasive, drug-free approach to relieving hip pain and frequently eliminating it altogether. Whenever possible, surgery should be seen as a final option. So, before you decide on hip surgery, think about the following questions: Is it impossible for you to get a good night's sleep because your hip pain wakes you up at night? When you get out of bed in the morning, and/or when you get out of your car, are you stiff and do you find it hard at first to move your legs? Do you feel pain whenever you rotate or twist them or when you cross your legs? If you've answered "yes" to any or all of these questions you probably have asymmetries and alignment problems in your lower extremities that, in addition to causing your hip pain, can eventually lead to osteoarthritis in your hips if not treated. The good news is that whether or not degenerative changes have already started, chiropractic treatment can help!

You may be getting older and it may be true that your hip joints aren't what they used to be. Even so, did you know that your hip pain (and related problems), which normally signal age-related degenerative conditions, may not actually be created by osteoarthritis? That's right. In fact, rather than being the original source of your pain, osteoarthritis of the hip joint is often the outcome of a prior injury (or injuries) to your hips.

Hip problems frequently have to do with asymmetry or imbalance when you are in motion, as in the case of walking. If you tend to walk "pronated" with your toes pointing away from your body (like a duck), sooner or later you will experience pain in your hips as a result of the asymmetrical stress on your hip joints and your body's efforts to compensate. Fortunately, you can make changes in your gait pattern at any age, and your chiropractor in Corona can help you to do it.

In addition, you may have undergone gait changes as the result of an ankle sprain or knee strain, and since "the knee bone's connected to the hip bone," these biomechanical accommodations create pain in the hip(s). There is no doubt that, if not corrected, your hip joints will suffer further consequences, i.e, wear and tear that produces degenerative changes.

Other activities that can sometimes adversely affect the hip joints are starting a new job or beginning a new sport that necessitates your moving your body in uncommon ways. Also, transporting a child (or grandchild) on one hip can cause hip pain. Even your sitting position or driving for prolonged periods of time on a routine basis can cause hip injury and pain.

So you can see that not every pain is caused by "old age," although we may experience more pain due to the progressive activity of untreated injuries.

And important aspect of the chiropractic management of your hip problem, along with your adjustments, your Corona Chiropractor will recommend special rehabilitative exercises that include gentle muscle stretching and strengthening, and will also study your gait and may suggest simple pattern changes.

Your hip pain won't go away on its own. Hip pain means that there's an injury that needs treatment. If left untreated, it is very likely that at some point you will require that hip replacement surgery. Remember the old adage, "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." Your Corona Chiropractor can get you out of pain, get your body back into balance, and help you get to back to enjoying your life again!

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What are some good natural remedies to help stop the progression of arthritis?

Author — Tue, 04 May 2010 03:02:03 +0000

I'm not sure what kind of arthritis I have. I always assumed that it was osteoarthritis because I don't have any disfigured joints. However, after reading more about rheumatoid arthritis, I wonder if I have that. My joints all over are stiff and achy and my fingers are puffy. I heard that fish oil is good. How much of this can I safely take? What about other supplements? Thanks!

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What is a stronger drug for pain management?

Author — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 08:35:04 +0000

I am in sever chronic pain. I can not take anti-inflamitories / /NSAIDS for other medical reasons. I have tried vicodin, tylenol #3 and Darvoset. The first two do nothing, the Darvoset at its highest does just barely helps, but not enough. I am getting bounced around with refferals within my insurance plan and everyone I see says they can not treat the kind of pain I have, that I need a pain clinic. I went there and they said they will only do injections into the joints and that is all they do, so prescriptions or pain management. I feel like I am stuck. I have called all the dr's office, been to the urgent care and the pain dr, called my medical group and called my insurance - everyon tells me to talk to someone else!!!!!!!!! I am in so much pain and frustration. So, I was wondering if anyone knows anything else that might help me. The pain is from osteoarthritis in my hips.

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Arthritis: What You Need To Know About It And How You Can Cope With It

Author — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 03:07:58 +0000

It is estimated that over 46 million people in the US alone suffer from a form of arthritis. This debilitating joint disease forces into early retirement employee who cannot perform physically to the fullest. Even outside the workplace, it is nearly impossible to live normally. Pain restricts mobility so much, that one is forced to embrace a sedentary lifestyle instead.

It's important for anyone suffering from arthritis to understand what it is. This way, coping mechanisms may come easier. Did you know that there are more than 100 forms of the joint disease? Its classification is based on causes and the signs and symptoms experienced. But there are two major types of this disease which many people suffer from.

As we age, cartilage between joints goes through wearing and tearing. In severe cases, this could lead to osteoarthritis (OA). Obesity and repeated demanding physical activities also contribute to the development of OA. Joints that usually suffer from it are the weight bearing ones, like the knees and hips. But it may also attack other frequently used and abused joints, such as the shoulders, elbows and hands.

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, on the other hand, is a form of an autoimmune disorder. For reasons unclear, your own immune system attacks your joints, thinking they are foreign bodies. RA can strike anyone at any age, even those in their early 20's. A common indicator of RA is it attacks joints located on both sides of the body, in a symmetrical fashion. For instance, if your left knee is affected, it's likely your right knee has RA too.

Pain and inflammation are usually dealt with through medications. For pain, a doctor typically prescribes analgesics, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. For swelling, NSAIDs (Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs) are administered. In severe cases, steroids are directly injected into the joints. Steroids administered by injection pose lesser side effects than an orally taken form.

To help with joint mobility, performing mild exercises is advised. For example, leg arthritis will benefit from doing a few minutes of walking. But during flare ups, even mild exercises may be very difficult to perform. Pain can be so severe, than even little movements prove to be unbearable.

Natural remedies are preferred by some people. This is especially true if medications fail to work on them, or they want less costly alternatives. Such natural remedies include a diet of raw fruits and vegetables to increase the alkalinity of the body. There are also supplements like fish oils, vegetarian glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Such supplements are said to help in the repair of worn out cartilage, and increase joint lubrication.

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What Is Osteoarthritis And How Is It Treated?

Author — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 03:49:40 +0000

Do you feel pain in your hand or shoulder when lifting a bag? Do you feel pain in your hip when bending down to look for your other brown boot under the bed? If so, you could be suffering from osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is just one form of arthritis. And it's the most common too. It goes by other names as well, including: degenerative arthritis, OA, wear-and-tear arthritis and osteoarthrosis. This disease can affect any joint in your body. However, it usually affects the knees, hips, back and hands.

This joint disease can be caused by a number of things. It can be because of obesity, trauma, heredity and age. It may also be due to repeated use of a body part. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage - a connective tissue functioning as the joint's protective pads - becomes worn out. Pain and swelling is experienced in the affected areas. Because of this, the normal range of motion may become limited.

If you think you're suffering from osteoarthritis, it's important to consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the result of your physical examination, a treatment course will have to be designed. Mild to moderate cases of the disease may benefit from the following approaches in easing the signs and symptoms.

It's not unlikely for medications to be prescribed. Analgesic has to be taken for pain. While for swelling, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, are usually given. For severe cases, there are also medications administered through injection.

As mentioned earlier, obesity can be a causative factor. If such is your case, then it's important for you to shed off unnecessary pounds. Adapting a particular diet recommended by your doctor will help you lose weight, thus relieving excessive pressure on your joints. Such diet will also exclude foods that may worsen the condition.

Mild exercises also help in alleviating the pain and improving your limited range of motion. Which exercises to perform should come from an occupational or physical therapist. Performing the right exercises will help strengthen the bones and muscles. It will also help in increasing the flexibility of the affected joints.

Supplements, such as Kirkland glucosamine tablets, will help in slowing down the deterioration of cartilage. Glucosamine is naturally produced by the body. But its production tends to slow down with age. Other supplements may include ingredients such as chrondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).

If your osteoarthritis is mild, the above remedies might help you lead a normal life once more. In no time, you'll be back doing your usual activities, like playing your ibanez acoustic electric guitar. However, for severe cases, undergoing surgery may be necessary to relieve the pain or damage.

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Author — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 22:20:09 +0000

According to Arthritis Care, arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults in the UK. 12,000 children in the UK have juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Obesity is a major risk factor for osteoarthritis of the knee. The UK currently has the eighth highest obesity rate in the world - and this is rising.

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How bad does my arthritis have to get before I can claim disability?

Author — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 10:55:28 +0000

I have osteoarthritis in my neck, lower back, wrists and ankles. I take prescription anti inflamitories and muscle relaxers in order to go to work. I work 10 hrs a day on my feet constantly moving, stretching and bending. While this movement is good for my arthritis, it can get really painful by the end of the day. I feel like I am up a creek without a paddle most of the time, especially after a 3 day workout. Then I just totally crash. I am tired of waking up with swollen hands, having a crick in my back and limping for a while after sitting down for 30 minutes.