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Is Apple Cider Vinegar Good for Arthritis? What Evidence Shows

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By DrBayer.com Editorial Team

Short answer: There is no reliable evidence that apple cider vinegar (ACV) eases arthritis pain or slows any type of arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation lists cider vinegar among common arthritis food myths and says its anti-inflammatory benefits are not backed by science. Healthline's medically reviewed page on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) says there is not enough research to call it an effective treatment for RA or its symptoms. ACV can also matter for safety, because it may interact with some common medicines. The checklist below covers both questions.

Your evidence-and-risk checklist

Work through these steps in order. They take about five minutes and give you something concrete to bring to your next appointment.

Step 1: Which type of arthritis do you have?

“Arthritis” covers several different conditions. If you have not been told which one you have, a clinician can help you find out. Here is what the sources we checked say for each type.

  • Osteoarthritis (wear-related joint damage): We did not find a source showing that ACV helps osteoarthritis specifically. The Arthritis Foundation's assessment covers arthritis pain and inflammation in general. RxList, a reference that rates supplements, lists arthritis among the uses with insufficient evidence to rate.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition): Healthline's reviewed page says there is not enough research to establish that ACV prevents, treats or cures RA or its symptoms, including pain. Researchers have suggested that plant compounds called polyphenols may give ACV antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies that directly link those compounds to less RA swelling and pain are still needed. ACV is not a replacement for prescribed RA medication.
  • Gout (uric acid crystals in a joint): A 2019 Medical News Today article states there is no scientific evidence that ACV can treat or prevent gout, and says people with gout should talk to a doctor before using it.

You may see online claims that ACV “dissolves crystals,” “detoxes” joints or “balances pH.” We did not find support for those claims in the sources we checked. The Arthritis Foundation notes that body pH is influenced by many factors, including how your kidneys work. Some web pages also rely on personal testimonials. Testimonials cannot show whether a remedy works, because they do not tell you what would have happened without it.

Step 2: Run the medication-interaction check

Large amounts of ACV can lower potassium in the body. That is the main reason RxList flags the medicines below. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about ACV if you take any of them.

  • Diuretics (“water pills”): Some diuretics, including furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide, can deplete potassium. Combining them with large amounts of ACV might lower potassium too far.
  • Insulin: Insulin can lower potassium on its own, so RxList advises avoiding large amounts of ACV if you take it. Healthline's side-effects article also warns of dangerously low blood sugar or potassium when vinegar is combined with insulin or insulin-stimulating medicines.
  • Other diabetes medicines: ACV might lower blood sugar further, so doses of these medicines may need to be changed. RxList advises monitoring blood sugar closely.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin): Low potassium can increase digoxin's side effects.

If you take any other prescription medicine, ask your pharmacist whether ACV is a concern for you.

Step 3: Know the everyday risks

  • Vinegar is highly acidic, so diluting it helps protect your teeth.
  • Healthline advises avoiding ACV, or keeping it very small, if you have gastroparesis (slow stomach emptying).
  • Putting ACV on the skin over sore joints may not help. Healthline's reviewed page says it can cause irritation, and RxList notes that chemical burns have been reported even after one use.
  • If you notice a reaction after drinking it or using it on skin, stop. If you develop unusual side effects or your condition gets worse, get medical attention.

Step 4: Decide with your clinician, then track what happens

If you talk with your clinician and still want to try ACV, a simple log shows whether it does anything for you. No ideal dose of ACV for arthritis has been established. Start the log at least a couple of weeks before your first dose so you have a baseline. Record the following each day:

  1. Pain level on a 0 to 10 scale, at the same time each day.
  2. Minutes of morning stiffness.
  3. Which joints are swollen, warm or tender.
  4. Every medicine you took, including any changes your doctor made.
  5. How much ACV you had, how it was diluted and when.
  6. Side effects such as heartburn, nausea or tooth sensitivity.
  7. Flares and anything that might have set one off.

Who should talk to a professional first

  • Anyone who takes diuretics, insulin or other diabetes medicines, or digoxin.
  • Anyone with diabetes or gastroparesis.
  • Anyone with diagnosed RA or gout. Do not stop or skip prescribed treatment to try ACV.
  • Anyone whose joint symptoms get worse while using ACV.

What you can do next

  • Bring your symptom log and a list of every medicine and supplement you take to your next appointment.
  • Ask your clinician what has evidence for your specific type of arthritis.
  • If you enjoy ACV as a food, such as in salad dressing, that is a separate question from using it to treat arthritis. RxList describes food amounts as likely safe.
  • For a broader look at how ACV is discussed in connection with inflammation, see our article Apple Cider Vinegar and Inflammation. For arthritis specifically, rely on the evidence summary above.

This article is for general information and is not medical advice. See our Medical Disclaimer and Editorial Standards.

Sources (opened and checked October 3, 2026)