As a physical therapist, I’m usually looking at the function of muscles, joints, nerves, the circulatory system, and use movement strategies to help people recover from injuries or dysfunction in these areas. To assist with this, I have to also consider the many products and tools that have also been developed and marketed to consumers looking to maximize recovery or pain relief. I am all for the use of products that would help with recovery, but I also need to be skeptical so that I’m not recommending products that are a waste of money.
One such class of products: wearable copper
Copper has been marketed over the years with claims that it can, when worn, decrease pain, decrease inflammation, and have antimicrobial benefits.
Copper for pain or inflammation
As far as any evidence on wearable copper influencing pain or inflammation, such as with copper jewelry or copper-infused braces, the scientific evidence for effectiveness is… not promising, especially with randomized controlled patient trials. Studies comparing copper and magnetic wrist straps to non-copper, and non-magnetic wrist straps found no difference in therapeutic benefit (1). Another study comparing compression socks without copper to compression socks with impregnated copper fibers found no additional benefit from the copper socks beyond the benefits of compression (2). Furthermore, one other study found that directly applying copper salicylate directly to the skin over arthritic joints did not provide benefit, and did provoke skin rashes (3).
When I was researching this, I was also curious if the theory behind applying copper to the skin and generating a change in the underlying joint would make sense. I did find sources showing that applying copper peptides to the skin (rather than copper salicylate, a salt compound) does result in absorption to at least the skin layer, and can have local effects on collagen formation and blood flow (4). There are several skin care lines that now incorporate copper peptides, touting benefits in hair growth and anti-aging. Although I was tempted to drop $200 on this fancy copper peptide serum myself, I had to take a step back and remember that I was looking for evidence regarding the use of copper for musculoskeletal pain and injury, not my own skin care regimen. Thus far, there is limited evidence that topical copper peptides enter the systemic circulation or have any effect on the underlying joints. So in terms of the theoretical basis of using wearable copper to reduce joint inflammation or pain, I would have to conclude that research is not supportive of this.
Copper for antimicrobial properties
Finally, I wanted to look at the claim that copper has antimicrobial properties. And here, we have a winner! There are studies showing that copper does release ions when it on contact with pathogens which, at a high enough concentration, inhibit bacterial or fungal growth (5). It has actually been historically used for centuries as an antimicrobial, including use in bandages for wounds which would decrease the risk of infection.
But I’m a PT, I don’t treat infectious diseases. Why would this be helpful? Well, to let you in on a personal story… A year ago, I had knee surgery myself. I ended up developing a small blood clot (DVT) in my calf, which is a fairly common complication. As part of my treatment, I needed to wear compression socks. All day. Every day. It was hot. And I ended up developing a mild case of tinea pedis (athlete’s foot) which is a fungal infection that can develop in warm, moist environments. As part of my research on copper, I found evidence that copper-impregnated compression socks do have a significant effect on the growth of tinea pedis (6)! My takeaway was that if you have to wear compression socks, which we recommend frequently to help with lower extremity circulation and decrease swelling, then it would be worth it to use socks with copper fibers as this will help with hygiene and decrease the risk of skin infection. I wish I had known last year!
Sources Cited
Therapeutic effects of copper bracelets: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19942103/
Copper compression vs regular compression:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-anti-fatigue-copper-compression-socks-really-work/
https://www.sciencemi.org/what-does-science-say-about-copper-compression-clothes/#content
Copper salicylat:e https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9269267/
Copper skin absorption: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2945467/#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20evidence%20that%20copper%20does,reviewed%20by%20Milanino%20%5B14%5D.
Does copper work as an antimicrobial agent in clothing? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6730497/
Copper socks and athlete’s foot: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20307427/