# @nickpappasmd on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DYXT42pNj7b
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/65528256-nickpappasmd-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/860d8e10d6.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-05-15T15:25:24.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Nick Pappas, MD (@nickpappasmd) — https://gondola.cc/nickpappasmd

## Caption

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🚨 Copper sleeves are one of the things I get asked about all the time as an orthopedic surgeon 🦵🧐

So…does the copper in sleeves like Tommy Copper actually reduce inflammation or heal your joints? 🤔

📕 If you want to look up the study I discussed, here it is:

Copper Bracelets and Magnetic Wrist Straps for Rheumatoid Arthritis – Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: A Randomised Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Crossover Trial
PMID: 24066023 🧪

Based on the available research, the answer is that the copper is probably not doing much for your pain.  Copper itself has not been shown to significantly reduce inflammation, and it doesn’t really absorb through your skin in a meaningful way.

BUT…that doesn’t mean the sleeve is useless 👇

✅ Compression can improve proprioception (your body’s awareness of movement and position)
✅ It may help support the joint during activity
✅ It can improve circulation and reduce swelling
✅ Some people simply feel more confident and stable while wearing them

Even though it may not be reducing your pain, the copper may still help with odor control and antimicrobial properties 🧼🦠

So if your knee or elbow feels better in a copper sleeve, it’s the compression and support doing the heavy lifting…not the copper itself 💪

#orthopedics #kneepain #jointpain #sportsmedicine #tommycopper

## Stats

- **Views:** 4,221
- **Likes:** 119
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- **Comments:** 9

## Tags

orthopedics, tommycopper, kneepain, jointpain, sportsmedicine

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