Can the Lubricant WD-40 Really Help Arthritis?

WD-40 is a popular product with literally thousands of household uses. However, it should be noted that these are household uses not medical uses. The product WD-40 was first developed in 1953 by the chemist Norm Larsen. The name WD-40 stands for water displacement, 40th attempt.

Using the lubricant WD-40 for arthritis has become both an unproven and potentially harmful folk remedy for pain relief. Some people swear that the lubricant WD-40 can ease painful joints. The premise seems simple enough, you spray or rub on a dose of WD-40 to free up stiff, painful arthritic joints just like they oiled up the Tin Man in the classic movie "The Wizard of Oz". Can the lubricant WD-40 really help arthritis? Let's dispel the myths about WD-40.

• How to Spot a Quack Cure for Arthritis
• The Lure of Unproven Arthritis Remedies
• Awareness is Key to Alternative Treatments
• Are Alternative Therapies Useful for Arthritis Patients?

_{Photo by Adrian Sawvel (iStockphoto)}