Topicals:
Topical Copper Products
Patients often inquire about the possible benefits of wearing copper products, such as bracelets, rings and braces. In an effort to field these questions, a brief literature search was performed revealing no substantial evidence for clinical benefit of these products.
Copper’s antimicrobial and wound healing properties are referenced
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Definitions and Terms Related to Pain
Topical Copper Products
There is no quality evidence supporting the benefit of topical copper products such as braces and bracelets for pain, inflammation, or physical function in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. High-quality research consisting of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trials have demonstrated that copper bracelets do not provide any meaningful therapeutic effect beyond placebo for pain, inflammation, or disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis.[1][2]
These studies found no statistically significant differences between copper devices and placebo in any clinical outcomes.
While copper is an essential trace element and has demonstrated biological activity in vitro and in biomaterial applications, including antimicrobial and wound healing properties, these effects have not translated into clinical benefit for musculoskeletal pain or inflammatory conditions when delivered via topical products such as bracelets or braces.[3][4][5] The penetration of copper through the skin is limited and variable, and there is no evidence that such absorption leads to clinically relevant effects.[6]
Current consensus in the medical literature is that any perceived benefit from copper bracelets or similar products is attributable to placebo effects, and these devices are not recommended as part of evidence-based management for musculoskeletal pain or arthritis.[1][2]
References
1. Copper Bracelets and Magnetic Wrist Straps for Rheumatoid Arthritis–Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Crossover Trial. Richmond SJ, Gunadasa S, Bland M, Macpherson H. PloS One. 2013;8(9):e71529. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0071529.
2. Therapeutic Effects of Magnetic and Copper Bracelets in Osteoarthritis: A Randomised Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial. Richmond SJ, Brown SR, Campion PD, et al. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2009 Oct-Dec;17(5-6):249-56. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2009.07.002.
3. Biological Applications of Copper-Containing Materials. Wang P, Yuan Y, Xu K, et al. Bioactive Materials. 2021;6(4):916-927. doi:10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.017.
4. Biological Properties of Copper-Doped Biomaterials for Orthopedic Applications: A Review of Antibacterial, Angiogenic and Osteogenic Aspects. Jacobs A, Renaudin G, Forestier C, Nedelec JM, Descamps S. Acta Biomaterialia. 2020;117:21-39. doi:10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.044.
5. Putting Copper Into Action: Copper-Impregnated Products With Potent Biocidal Activities. Borkow G, Gabbay J. FASEB Journal : Official Publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2004;18(14):1728-30. doi:10.1096/fj.04-2029fje.
6. Human Stratum Corneum Penetration by Copper: In Vivo Study After Occlusive and Semi-Occlusive Application of the Metal as Powder. Hostýnek JJ, Dreher F, Maibach HI. Food and Chemical Toxicology : An International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association. 2006;44(9):1539-43. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2006.04.003.
Emphasis on Education
Accurate Clinic promotes patient education as the foundation of it’s medical care. In Dr. Ehlenberger’s integrative approach to patient care, including conventional and complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments, he may encourage or provide advice about the use of supplements. However, the specifics of choice of supplement, dosing and duration of treatment should be individualized through discussion with Dr. Ehlenberger. The following information and reference articles are presented to provide the reader with some of the latest research to facilitate evidence-based, informed decisions regarding the use of conventional as well as CAM treatments.
For medical-legal reasons, access to these links is limited to patients enrolled in an Accurate Clinic medical program.
Should you wish more information regarding any of the subjects listed – or not listed – here, please contact Dr. Ehlenberger. He has literally thousands of published articles to share on hundreds of topics associated with pain management, weight loss, nutrition, addiction recovery and emergency medicine. It would take years for you to read them, as it did him.
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