“Whenever you see the word ‘cure’ in association with a product for
arthritis, you should immediately be suspicious,” says Joel Rutstein, MD, an
arthritis specialist whose own Web site aims to be the definitive source for
anyone with arthritis and osteoporosis.

He cautions people with arthritis to be suspicious about products sounding
too good to be true on Internet sites.

“The market for unproven remedies for arthritis is now in the billions of
dollars,” says Dr. Rutstein. “Proper double-blinded placebo controlled studies
of these over-the-counter products have not been performed. Most of these
substances are promoted with testimonials and with scientific type language that
sounds very appealing,” he admits. “There is no proof that they work. Also there
is no control by the FDA over the purity of these products and therefore, there
is a risk of impurities, which could be harmful.”

His best advice: “Always check with your physician before starting these
substances. Rheumatologists will be aware of any studies showing true evidence
that these over-the-counter products would be beneficial to you and can advise
you accordingly.”