Kimberly is a health and wellness writer with 8 years of experience in healthcare and a special passion for mental health awareness. 

Anita Chandrasekaran, MD, MPH, is board-certified in internal medicine and rheumatology and currently works as a rheumatologist at Hartford Healthcare Medical Group in Connecticut.

Magnetic bracelets, a form of magnetic therapy, have been touted as an effective way to relieve arthritis pain, but research supporting these benefits is scant and some have suggested that the positive effects are likely due to the placebo effect (where people experience a benefit after being given an inactive treatment) rather than actual benefit. There are other alternative treatments for arthritis: Some also seem questionable, while others have evidence-based utility.

Magnet therapy is one of the oldest recorded medical treatments in history. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily make it a good one. A magnetic bracelet with a promise to ease pain can seem like an attractive quick fix, but science has shown that it doesn't deliver on the benefits it promises.

The use of magnetic therapy has intrigued the general population and scientific community since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. Magnets are believed to have healing power for pain. Cleopatra is thought to have believed in and used magnetic therapy by sleeping with a magnet on her forehead to maintain a youthful appearance.

Aristotle, a Greek philosopher, touted magnets as a healing therapy. Other well-known scientists and public figures have made claims about magnetic therapy, including healthcare provider and physicist Sir William Gilbert, who stated he used magnets to relieve the arthritic pain of Queen Elizabeth.

Magnet bracelets became popular after professional athletes shared rave reviews about how magnets cured their aches and injuries.

Magnetic bracelets on the market vary in types of metals and alloys used, construction, appearance, and strength. Between the many sellers, magnetic bracelets can have a sporty or fancy look. Some sellers have a vast selection including bangles, cuffs, links, or loose-fitting.

When it comes to the material used, different types of metals are used in these bracelets, including:

Some magnetic bracelets are also made of ferrite (a mix of iron and barium) or are neodymium magnets (iron, boron, and neodymium). Magnetic bracelets usually have strength ranging from 300 gauss to 5,000 gauss.

Magnetic bracelets are believed to do two things: reduce pain and enhance blood flow. Magnets create an electromagnetic field. The idea is that magnets placed against the skin influence the circulation of iron in the blood, which helps deliver nutrients to the joints. 

There are three types of magnetic fields: paramagnetic, ferromagnetic, and diamagnetic. Iron in the blood is not ferromagnetic, meaning it's not attracted to magnets, and commercially available magnetic wrist straps will therefore not alter blood flow. 

Some holistic healers believe magnetic bracelets can increase levels of endorphins, regulate emotions, slow the progression of disease, and more.

Studies have shown that magnetic bracelets don't provide relief for arthritis symptoms. One study that investigated the effect of magnetic bracelets on people with osteoarthritis found no change in pain, stiffness, or physical function among the participants.  Another study looked at their effects on people with rheumatoid arthritis, and also found no therapeutic effect on pain, stiffness, or swelling. 

In a review of 29 relevant trials, none of them found clear evidence of magnetic bracelets as a cure for pain or a treatment to induce blood flow. 

Magnets may interfere with medical devices like pace makers and insulin pumps. In addition, magnets are small and are a risk for children to swallow.

There are other forms of alternative treatments that may help with your arthritis pain:

However, these alternative therapies should not displace conventional medical treatment. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or dietary regimen.

In addition to medical treatment, lifestyle changes can also offer relief, including:

These lifestyle changes have been proven to support therapeutic treatment and make a difference in symptoms.

It's hard not to try a treatment that has gotten so many positive reviews, but in the case of magnetic bracelets for arthritis pain, the evidence is just not there. They may be attractive because they seem like a quick fix for arthritis symptoms. You deserve relief—find it with legitimate products, services, and lifestyle measures that have a strong scientific support. Consult your healthcare provider about medical and alternative treatments that can actually offer pain relief and improve your symptoms.

There is no scientific evidence to support the use of magnets to treat arthritis. Reviews suggesting that magnetic bracelets can relieve arthritis pain or relieve joint stiffness are likely due to the placebo effect.

No. Despite claims from magnetic bracelet manufacturers, magnetic bracelets do not improve circulation and there is no scientific evidence to suggest that magnetic bracelets can increase blood flow.

Most people can wear magnetic bracelets without any side effects or problems. However, if you have a pacemaker, insulin pump, or another internal or wearable medical device, being in close proximity to magnets could cause a problem. Check with the device manufacturer before wearing a magnetic bracelet.

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Basford JR. A historical perspective of the popular use of electric and magnetic therapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2001 Sep;82(9):1261-9. doi: 10.1053/apmr.2001.25905

Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Encyclopedia.com. https://www.encyclopedia.com/medicine/divisions-diagnostics-and-procedures/medicine/magnetic-field-therapy.

Arthritis Foundation. Magnets, Copper Don't Ease Arthritis Pain.

Richmond SJ, Brown SR, Campion PD, Porter AJ, Moffett JA, Jackson DA, Featherstone VA, Taylor AJ. Therapeutic effects of magnetic and copper bracelets in osteoarthritis: a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial. Complement Ther Med. 2009 Oct-Dec;17(5-6):249-56. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2009.07.002

Richmond SJ. Magnet therapy for the relief of pain and inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (Cambra): a randomised placebo-controlled crossover trial. Trials. 2008;9:53. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-9-53

Pittler MH, Brown EM, Ernst E. Static magnets for reducing pain: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials. CMAJ. 2007 Sep 25;177(7):736-42. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.061344

Chehade L, Jaafar ZA, El Masri D, et al. Lifestyle modification in rheumatoid arthritis: dietary and physical activity recommendations based on evidence. Curr Rheumatol Rev. 2019;15(3):209-214. doi:10.2174/1573397115666190121135940

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