There is no known cause for inflammatory arthritis, a form that tends to affect the entire body rather than only one joint. Crystal-deposition arthritis, an example of which is gout, occurs when uric acid crystals, found in small amounts in the blood, build up and inflame wrist, knee and toe joints. In each case, joints grow swollen and red and lose their strength. If you experience any of these symptoms, your doctor will be able to determine the type of arthritis and its appropriate treatment through blood tests and x-rays. Even more remarkable, those who do not suffer from arthritis have been sporting the bracelet in hopes of reducing some of the pressure and tension of everyday life.
Many proponents say they feel better with their bracelet on.
Dr. Wong Woon Sing, a consultant physician at Hong Kong's Queen Mary Hospital with a specialty in rheumatology, says the bracelet might work for some patients because of its placebo effect. Those wearing it believe they are experiencing pain relief and, in turn, notice their discomfort less. As a placebo, the bracelet can serve as a valid method of pain control. The heavy metal was first thought to ameliorate inflammatory diseases in 1939 when copper miners in Finland were found to be unaffected by arthritis as long as they worked in the mine. The copper bangles come plated with gold or silver, and in varying widths and designs.