You will see copper bracelets sold on the Internet by myriad online stores, but you will come up short on evidence that they work to relieve arthritis symptoms; you will only find personal testimonials.

The practice of wearing copper bracelets began about a century ago when people who wore copper bracelets claimed their arthritis symptoms were relieved. There was no scientific evidence to support that the improvement was anything but normal fluctuation of arthritis symptoms. The placebo effect is also a possible explanation, as it is with all unproven treatments.

There are many theories about how copper bracelets may work. The most common theory suggests that copper salts have antioxidant properties that may prevent free radicals from damaging your joints. Theoretically, copper salts are absorbed through the skin from the copper bracelet or other copper jewelry. However, skin is unable to absorb the amount of copper salts from a copper bracelet that would be needed to prevent damage caused by free radicals. Beyond that, many copper bracelets have a lacquer applied to prevent tarnish. The lacquer would interfere with copper absorption as well.