Gold Injections: Do They Work for Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a relatively common disease affecting up to one in one-hundred people – being three times more common in women than in men. This autoimmune disease wrecks havoc on the joints, but can also cause inflammation in major organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and heart. The standard of treatment in most cases is anti-inflammatory medications which help to decrease the pain and inflammation so common with this disorder.

Although anti-inflammatory medications are effective, in some cases, stronger pain medications are needed. Oral steroids are frequently given to reduce inflammation and joint swelling. One treatment for rheumatoid arthritis that dates as far back as the eighteenth century, but is less commonly used today, is injections with gold salts. Is gold for arthritis still effective and does it offer any additional benefits over traditional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?

How does Gold for Arthritis Treatment Work?

It’s not entirely clear how gold salts work to treat arthritis; but they’re believed to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the action of immune cells. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease where immune cells damage the joint and its synovium, as well as the cartilage. By inhibiting the immune response, the inflammation is reduced along with the pain.

Does Gold for Arthritis Treatment Work?

There’s enough evidence to suggest that gold for arthritis really does work. An analysis of a four different trials published on the Cochrane website showed that injection with gold salts works better than a placebo for reducing joint swelling. Oral gold didn’t seem to have the same benefits as gold injections although it has fewer side effects.

Why Isn’t Gold for Arthritis Used More Often?

There are some drawbacks to using gold for arthritis treatment. The injections need to be given weekly for five months before being tapered back to once every three to four weeks, and benefits are seldom seen until several months have passed. Gold injections also cause significant side effects including mouth sores, kidney problems, hair loss, stomach upset, skin rashes, and an increased risk of infection.

Because of the potentially serious side effects, gold injections are not as frequently used for rheumatoid arthritis as they once were. Injectable gold is also harder to find as companies have stopped making it due to lack of demand.

The Bottom Line

Although gold injections appear to be effective for reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, side effects limit its use when there are safer treatments available. Gold for arthritis may have seen its heyday.