Chelation Therapy for Arthritis

According to the American Cancer Institute, chelation is an alternative therapy used to treat many conditions, including arthritis. Chelation is administered by injection of a chemical called ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), which binds heavy metals. This treatment is intended to break down harmful toxic molecules in the body that can cause complications associated with several diseases, including arthritis. While chelation therapy has been deemed an effective treatment for lead and heavy-metal poisoning, there is no substantial scientific evidence to support claims that it is an effective treatment method for other conditions such as arthritis.

Use

• Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints, joint tissues and other organs in the body. Arthritis can cause stiffness and pain in wrists, hands, feet, knees, elbows and neck. Chelation therapy is used to increase blood flow by removing toxins and heavy metals from the body. This is thought by some to help minimize complications associated with arthritis. Although chelation therapy is used to treat arthritis, there is no scientific evidence supporting claims of its effectiveness.

Treatment History

• EDTA, the chemical often used with chelation therapy, was developed in Germany in the 1930s. Today, it is used worldwide for heavy metal poisoning. In the 1950s, scientists believed that EDTA could also remove calcium from the body, which could treat heart disease and other circulatory illnesses. While random studies have been conducted throughout the years, the American Heart Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and several other prestigious organizations have found no reliable scientific evidence that confirms the effectiveness of chelation therapy for any conditions other than lead and heavy-metal poisoning.

Chelation Process

• Chelation therapy is typically administered by injection in the vein. This can be a short injection or several injections over a two to four hour period. Generally, chelation therapy includes 20 injections over 10 to 12 weeks. This treatment also can be administered orally. Twenty to 40 treatments are suggested for new patients. Some practitioners recommend 100 or more treatments over several years. Chelation therapy is usually combined with high-dose vitamin supplements to replace minerals lost during the treatment.

Chelation Complications

• Chelation can be poisonous and could possibly cause abnormal heartbeat, kidney damage and death. Other potential complications include vein swelling, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, drop in blood pressure and calcium levels, and bone damage. You may also experience pain at the injection site. Chelation therapy is not suggested if you have kidney disease, liver disorder or bleeding conditions. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should also avoid chelation therapy.