If it works for you, stick with it!

A FEW weeks ago, my GP colleague Dr Amir Khan, who was filling in for me here while I was away, answered a question on the efficacy of alternative arthritis treatments.

He said there was little or no evidence that any of them actually worked. This is why we GPs recommend the few proven methods, including weight loss, exercise and pain medication where needed.

We received a few responses from readers saying that remedies such as copper bracelets had worked for them.

My approach is this: if something works for you and there are no risks involved, then it is always worth doing. Just because something has not been proven in a medical trial, it doesn’t mean it cannot possibly have a positive benefit.

That’s providing they don’t cost a small fortune, of course.

I love to hear about unusual remedies for common problems, so do keep writing in.