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16 December 2016

Can copper relieve the symptoms of arthritis?

Copper is essential for the healthy functioning of the body. Worldwide studies have shown that a deficiency could cause rheumatic aches and pains.

Could copper give you relief from aches and pains?

Copper is a nutrient which is known to have anti-inflammatory properties in the body. There is a theory that the absorption of copper from a bracelet or insoles could reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

In a study published in 1976, researchers compared individuals wearing copper bracelets with those wearing identical looking copper-coloured bracelets made of aluminium.

By measuring the weight of the copper bracelet before and after the study, researchers found that an average of 13mg of copper had been lost from the bracelet in a month (believed to have been absorbed through the skin). What’s more, those wearing the real copper bracelet reported less arthritic symptoms compared to those wearing the mock aluminium variety.

Opinion amongst experts is still divided as to whether copper can really help but Professor Albert Singer, an expert in gynaecological research at the Whittington Hospital in North London, was so impressed by the ability of a pair of copper shoe insoles to alleviate the pain of his arthritis that he set up a study of 230 fellow sufferers to test them further. Copper Heelers Insoles were given to the volunteers and 96 per cent of them reported an improvement in their symptoms.

Professor Singer says: “About 13 per cent of the population is affected by arthritis. If putting copper insoles in shoes could help it would be of great benefit.”

A formal trial is now under way at the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust.

There have also been stories in the press about people who say that copper has helped relieve symptoms.

Garden designer Helen Basson, 39, feared that she would end up in a wheelchair after she was diagnosed with arthritis in every joint of her body after the birth of her third child.Her condition was so bad she was unable to lift her baby out of his cot or get into the bath unaided.

But within three months of inserting copper insoles, recommended to her by her mother-in-law, Mrs Basson astounded her doctors by beginning to walk freely.

To read the article about Mrs Basson in full, click here.

Click here to see our Copper Bracelets and Copper Heeler Insoles.