South African Seniors are Using Condoms to Relieve Arthritis Pain [VIDEO]

South African seniors have found a unique and innovative method of relieving arthritis pain; condoms.

Arthritis affects people of all ages but high rates of this joint disorder are clearly visible in the elderly. Arthritis is one of the main causes of disability among seniors. Till date, pills along with physical and occupational therapies were the only remedies offered to cure crippling arthritis that limits the daily activity of more than 21 million adults. But the seniors who were tired of pills stunned the researchers with their innovative usage of the contraceptive as a painkiller.

A group of Soweto grannies prefer condoms over the medication pills to relieve arthritis pain - a chronic inflammation of joints that is often accompanied by pain. They believe that the lubricant oil on the latex aids in alleviating pain associated with arthritis thereby eliminating the need for pills, according to a media source.

A Sowetan newspaper reported that when condoms are rubbed on the painful joints these old people claim that get immediate and instant relief.

In a country like South Africa that has the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence with one in 10 people testing positive for this infection, condoms are easily and freely available as they are a primary source of preventive message against HIV infection.

While scientists at the moment cannot provide any scientific explanation for this belief, they have no reservations against the practice.

"This oil is number one," Elizabeth Moyo told the paper after demonstrating how she uses the condoms. "I am tired of the pills."

What remains a major concern now is that this practice will lead to a massive wastage of condoms and take away from their intended purpose.