How to Relieve Arthritis Foot Pain With Magnets

People have been using magnets for centuries to relieve pain from arthritis. The therapy is believed to relieve pain by increasing circulation. Although research results are mixed as to the effectiveness of magnetic devices - bracelets, mattress covers, rings, pillow pads - in pain relief, anecdotal evidence is plentiful. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has not approved magnets as a healing device but the treatment is generally considered harmless. If you are considering using magnets for the relief of foot pain due to arthritis, rating, recording, and reviewing your foot pain can be useful.

Things You'll Need

• Magnetic pain relief device

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Instructions

Relieving Foot Pain with Magnets

• 1

  Determine where the pain is coming from.
  Monitor your pain and decide whether it is coming from your ankle, instep, ball, heel, or toes. Knowing where the pain originates will help determine what treatment to apply. Magnetic devices for relieving foot pain include insoles, socks, rings, and ankle bracelets.

• 2

  Purchase the appropriate magnetic device.
  The strength of magnets is measured in gauss and millitesla (m Tesla). One millitesla is the same as 10 gauss. Most magnetic devices have both measurements listed, for example 2000 gauss (200 m Tesla).
  Research shows that magnetic devices under 1700 gauss (170 m Tesla) are not effective. Look for a magnetic device of 1700 to 2000 gauss (170 to 200 m Tesla).

• 3

  Apply the device.

  Read instructions carefully and wear the magnetic device according to the manufacturer's specifications. Pay special attention to any recommendations and warnings.

• 4

  Chart your foot pain changes.

  Rate your pain before and after using the magnetic device. Doctors often use a 10-point scale, where 10 is excruciating pain and 1 is no pain, to assess self-reported pain. Keep a chart to see how effective the magnetic device is in relieving your pain.

• 5

  Continue with your usual pain management regimen.

  Magnets are not intended to replace your current pain management strategy, but to offer an additional avenue to pain relief. Let your doctor know anytime you are adding a new element to your arthritis pain therapy.