What Are Unproven Arthritis Remedies?

Unproven arthritis remedies are treatments that have not shown in repeated scientific studies that they work and are safe. Proven treatments for arthritis must show in repeated, controlled scientific tests that they work by meeting one or more of the following goals:

  • reduce pain
  • reduce inflammation
  • keep joints moving safely
  • avoid stress damage to joints

Proven treatments also must show how safe they are. The benefits of a treatment in controlling arthritis should be greater than the risk of unwanted or harmful effects. Some unproven remedies are harmless. Others are harmful. Still others have health effects that are unknown. Even if an unproven remedy is itself harmless, it can still have a detrimental effect if it causes a person to stop or slow down proven treatments to control arthritis. Listed below are some examples of unproven remedies.

Harmless:

  • copper bracelets
  • mineral springs
  • uranium mines
  • vibrators
  • vinegar and honey

    Harmful:
  • DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide)
  • large doses of vitamins
  • drugs with hidden ingredients such as steroids
  • snake venom

    Unknown:
  • biofeedback
  • diets
  • fish oil
  • lasers
  • yucca

    • Why Do People With Arthritis Try Unproven Remedies?

    Arthritis is painful, potentially crippling and usually chronic. Treatments vary for each type of arthritis and among different individuals. Doctors may have to try many different approaches before finding a combination that works for a particular individual. And even when a successful treatment program is discovered, it may need to change over time as the disease changes. Many people with arthritis become discouraged with this process and hope for a quick and easy answer.

    Arthritis symptoms may come and go without warning. A person using an unproven remedy may mistakenly think the remedy worked simply because they tried it when symptoms were going into a natural remission.

    People with arthritis may seem to improve because of the placebo effect. The power of positive thinking may cause someone to temporarily feel better. The improvement usually lasts only a short time, and the underlying disease continues to cause damage.

    Cost Of Unproven Remedies

  • The Arthritis Foundation estimates that most people with arthritis have tried an unproven arthritis remedy at some point.
  • One in ten people who have tried unproven arthritis remedies report harmful side effects, according to a Health and Human Services survey.
  • An estimated $1 billion is spent yearly on unproven arthritis remedies.
  • Any unproven remedy, no matter how harmless, can become harmful if it stops or delays someone from seeking a prescribed treatment program from a physician.

    • How Can People Determine If A Remedy Is Unproven?

    It may be hard to spot an unproven remedy at first glance. The only source of information about a remedy may be what is given out by its promoters. People with arthritis should be cautious if the proposed remedy falls into one or more of the following categories:

    A. Works for all types of arthritis
    There are over 100 types of arthritis and treatments vary for each kind.

    B. Uses case histories and testimonials
    Claims of individuals helped by a treatment need to be backed up by repeated studies on large numbers of people.

    C. Cites only one study
    A single study may get results which other studies cannot repeat. A number of scientists must repeat the same study and get similar results for a treatment to be considered proven. A single study may, however, suggest a treatment that may have promise and should be studied further.

    D. Cites a study without a control group
    The use of a control group helps show that the results are due to the new treatment and not to some other factor.

    E. Does not list contents
    Some ads for a miracle drug for arthritis actually are just aspirin at a high price. Other treatments have been found to contain corticosteriods and other powerful drugs. These drugs may have severe side effects and should not be taken without a doctor’s supervision.

    F. Has no warnings about side effects
    There should be warnings on the label or instructions stating who should not use the treatment.

    G. Claims to be based on a secret formula
    Scientists share their discoveries so that other experts in arthritis can review and question their findings.