Summary
In a study of 199 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, 68% were found to have tried ‘alternative treatments’. Some treatments (acupuncture and faith healing) gave subjective benefit in nearly half those who tried them and were considered to be better than others (such as copper bracelets). No adverse reactions were reported. ‘Alternative treatments’ play an important role as self prescribed therapy in rheumatoid arthritis and their use should not be ignored nor underestimated.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Scott D, Scott D, Bacon PA (1982) Therapeutic progress — Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. J Clin Hosp Pharm 7: 217–229
Pullar T, Capell HA, Millar A, Brooks RG (1982) Alternative treatment: Cost and subjective benefit in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J 285:1629–1631
Huskisson EC, Scott J, Bryands R (1981) Seatone is ineffective in rheumatoid arthritis. Br Med J 1:1358–1359
Gibson RG, Gibson SLM, MacNeil AD, Buchanan WW (1980) Homeopathic therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: evaluation by double-blind clinical therapeutic trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 8:453–459
Langley GB, Sheppeard H, Wingley RD (1983). Placebo therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. Clin Exp Rheum 1:17–23
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Struthers, G.R., Scott, D.L. The use of ‘Alternative treatments’ by patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 3, 151–152 (1983). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541593
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00541593