Science News

People living in poor neighbourhoods have a higher rate and risk of arthritis - one of the most common causes of disability in the developed world.

Tricking people with severe arthritis into thinking their sore hand is healthy dampens their pain, a new study suggests.

If confirmed, the preliminary results may offer a powerful and inexpensive way to fight persistent arthritis pain.

“The results are really exciting,” said pain expert Candy McCabe of the University of Bath in England, who wasn’t involved in the study. “The whole thing is visual trickery, but the science behind it is strong.”