Dr Nighat said copper bracelets don’t actually help with arthritis pain according to medical research. However, she offered some advice on how to ease the symptoms becoming worse during the winter months.
During the arthritis segment, one of the presenters Josie Gibson, who is stepping in for Holly Willoughby, asked whether copper bracelets can help with arthritis.
Dr Nighat responded: “I’m going to disappoint you. I know you like your copper bracelets. The medical advice, the clinical data shows there’s no evidence for it.
“But I’m one of those clinicians, as a doctor, that if it works for you and it’s not causing you any side effects. If the copper bands are working, because I know lots of people use them.
“Then by all means use them.”
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When temperatures drop, people with arthritis can start experiencing more pains and aches.
The doctor explained why this happens. She said: “The synovial fluid will thicken, where you get thickness, you get more inflammation.
“And you get more wearing away of the cartilage, so the bone will be impacted.
“If you’re heavier frame and you’re overweight, then, unfortunately, that is going to impact on more aches and pains within the winter months.”
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The fluid known as synovial, the doctor described, acts as a lubricant that helps smooth the motions between your bones.
Arthritis, in general, affects the synovial lining which can lead to joint pain. Cold weather can be another additional factor.
To ease your arthritis symptoms this winter, the doctor recommended a hot bath.
“If you’re lying in the bath of hot water, get the water between 33-37 Celsius, that’s really great for you,” she explained.
Other tips she offered included: “In the winter wrap up, make sure you’re taking your pain relief.
“A lot of patients will say to me ‘well I don’t want to take pain relief because I’ll be masking the symptoms. That makes no sense at all, clinically.
“Take your ibuprofen, paracetamol, if it’s safe to do so.”
“And cover yourself with gels. Ice and heat are brilliant as well,” she added.
Dr Nighat also recommends looking at the website Versus Arthritis as they offer lots of useful tips for pain management.
She said:“ They’ve got a lot of free information, hints and tips. From splints, gloves to wear, exercises that you can do, so please look at it.
“There are so many people living with pain, and I see you, I feel that.
“Just make sure you’re getting as much support as possible.”