Use of Copper in relieving joint pain

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Arthritis problem

• 54% in over 65 year olds
• Women 57%, Males 43%
• Osteo Arthritis / Rhematoid Arthritis 1:14

A.R.C. 2005

• 39 million Dr. visits per year
• 0.5 million hospitalisations per year
• Cost = $87 billion

Arthritis Foundation 2005

Treatments for arthritis (note: therapies overlap)

• Drug treatment 48% (RA – 41%, OA – 48%)
• Advice34%
  • Complementary 11%
  • Exercise and weight loss 20%
  • Rest and lie flat 15%
• Physiotherapy 37%
• Pain clinics 6%

Drugs used

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (Voltarol, Brufen)
• Steroids
• Complementary therapies
  • Homeopaty
  • Acupucture
  • Herbal
  • Glucosamine

Most have side effects

Copper treatment

• Known since ancient times
• Absorbed via skin, oral or other
  • Bracelets
  • Magnets
• Variable levels of copper in arthritis sufferers

Copper Heeler

• Developed by Anthony Andrews
• Theory that copper was beneficial for joint pain
• Moulded copper insoles for shoes
• Virtually pure copper

Trial using Copper Heeler

• Questionnaire sent at 4 weeks to 230 purchasers - 150 replies (40 received since study closed)
• Average age = 60.5 years
• Male : Female = 30% : 59% (unknown 11%)
• Duration of symptoms > 5 years = 55%
• Severity of symptoms = 6.1 / 10

Overall improvement = 96%, No improvement = 4%

Severity vs Improvement

Duration (use) vs Improvement

Medication

Percentage reduction in medication
50% or more reduction = 49 (46%)

Mechanism of Action

• Unknown
• Unlikely absorption
• Unlikely magnetic (bracelet trial)
• Electrical conduction?
  • (Battery effect via sweat, dissimilar metals)

Summary

• Joint pain very common
• Quality of life
• Treatment morbidity
• Copper Heeler
  • Seemingly effective (6/10)
  • Low cost
  • Simple to use
  • No side effects