Copper insoles

Katykat

I'm giving these a trial. I have Rh arthritis in hands, feet, wrista and ankles and osteo in shoulders and knees. Needless to say, I have variable amount of pain and mobility issues. I thought these copper insoles can't do any harm, so got them yesterday. Anyone tried them? I kind of knew what might happen and yes, today, I have several green patches on the soles of my feet. Not pretty, but not the end of the world. Do the marks fade eventually though?

lessonlearned

Yes I've used these in the past and found them very helpful. I also wear a copper bangle which helps with finger and wrist pain.

Re the copper marking. I was told that this occurs because your body needs the copper and is drawing it out from the bangle or insole.

It happened to me at first, then gradually it stopped.

I was only thinking about buying some new copper insoles - thanks for reminding me;).

BTW - I have heard that you can achieve the same benefits by using nice new shiny 2p coins. I've not tried this myself - not sure how comfortable it would be walking on coins.

thor

I'm sorry but the effects of copper bracelets and the like for pain relief and arthritis sounds like nonsense to me. At best they are placebos.

k12479

Coincidentally, this article is in the news today:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2422965/If-copper-bracelet-eases-arthritis-just-trick-mind-Straps-claim-help-chronic-illnesses-useless-says-landmark-study.html

[apologies for the fact it's the Daily Mail]

Katykat

I am aware that copper may have no effect whatsoever but The same can be said for any medication. If it has a placebo effect, well, surely thats a result isn't it? Lessonlearned, it was the article about the 2p coins that encouraged me to research it. The guy who the article was about actually used OLD 2p coins because new ones contain only small amounts of copper now. He went on to form a company with his son to manufacture Coppermates. They use 97% copper circles rather than 2p coins. Anyway, I've only been using them for 2 days so too early to feel any effect but when you are in constant pain, you'll try anything that won't cause harm.

lessonlearned

thor wrote: »

I'm sorry but the effects of copper bracelets and the like for pain relief and arthritis sounds like nonsense to me. At best they are placebos.

It works for me. I appreciate it may not work for you, but this does not make it nonense.

Diclofenic worked like magic but alas I cannot take it because it upset my stomach too much. Sadly most prescription NISADs have the same negative effects, so I have to look for alternative methods of pain relief.

So for me it's natural or complimentary therapies, massage, heat, ie warm baths with dead sea salts, heat packs, exercise, lavender oil, and yes, the aforementioned copper, sometimes cider vinegar and honey, cod liver oil, the occasional high strength paracetamol.

All these methods are non invasive and without negative side effects.

As Katykat says not all prescription medicine works for everyone either. I think it's just a question of trial and error until you find what works best for you.

howardman

i thought copper insoles were like a placebo right? I actually use arch support insoles which are proven to work and support my arches instead.. see not made out of copper either and probably cost a lot lot less money as well.

heartbreak_star

I'm sure working with a doctor instead of completely relying on placebos is a good idea.

HBS x

CupOfChai

lessonlearned wrote: »

Re the copper marking. I was told that this occurs because your body needs the copper and is drawing it out from the bangle or insole.

Sorry but that sounds like rubbish to me. These things are worn next to your skin aren't they? When copper oxidises it turns green (like iron rusting and turning orange), so if you're sweating and the copper is next to your skin the moisture and air will make it go green, which then leaves a mark where it's been rubbing on your skin. I don't think copper ions can be absorbed into the body through the skin from a piece of solid copper.

lessonlearned

CupOfChai wrote: »

Sorry but that sounds like rubbish to me. These things are worn next to your skin aren't they? When copper oxidises it turns green (like iron rusting and turning orange), so if you're sweating and the copper is next to your skin the moisture and air will make it go green, which then leaves a mark where it's been rubbing on your skin. I don't think copper ions can be absorbed into the body through the skin from a piece of solid copper.

There's no need to be rude.;)

I am trained as a beauty/complimentary therapist and I have also assisted my grandmother who was a qualified herbalist so I do have a little knowledge.

All I know is this. Traditional western medicine is not the be all and end all of healing and pain relief. There are many cultures which use essential oils, herbs, minerals, message, relaxation, heat etc to combat pain.

Drs and scientists are not infallible. The thalidomide fiasco springs immediately to mind.......Medical science does not have all the answers - if only it did. Drug therapies often have unpleasant side effects. There is a role for complimentary therapies especially in alleviating pain and discomfort.

I have gone down the medical route. My first port of call was my GP - as it should always be. However, as I pointed out in an earlier post, traditional arthritis medications play havoc with my stomach so I have little choice but to explore other options.

Katy asked if anyone had any experience of copper insoles. I simply answered that I had found them beneficial. There was absolutely no need for the unpleasant responses to my answer. I simply answered truthfully that yes I had found copper insoles helpful. (Note not a miracle cure - just "helpful").

Now - whether or not copper insoles are "merely a placebo" is largely irrelevant, because it is well understood by the medical profession that placebos have a real and positive role to play in the treatment of disease.

Placebos are by no means "worthless".

Katykat

Well I didn't call for rudeness either. I too am receiving medical care from my GP and Rheumatologist at the hospital. I take 2 different RA medications plus pain relief with occasional steroids. They ALL have side effects and I have twice monthly blood tests to monitor these. If ANYTHING else helps to minimise either the pain or my mobility issues, then I would try it even if its a placebo effect. I don't think its fair to criticise anyone's beliefs. BTW, I am a retired registered nurse, so its fair to say I'm not against traditional medicine.