CBD oil for arthritis and joint pain

01. 07. 2024

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is very common, affecting about 1% of the population. It is the main cause of joint mobility problems in the developed world.

 

 

 

There are three main forms of arthritis:

Rheumatoid arthritis - this form of arthritis is triggered by an attack by the immune system on one's own joint tissues, so that the joints throughout the body begin to break down.

Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis involves a gradual loss of joint tissue, but the cause is more likely to be low-grade inflammation and cartilage destruction in the joint tissue.

Gout - this form of arthritis is caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which provoke pain, inflammation and the destruction of joint tissue.

For all three forms of arthritis, taking CBD is very beneficial, both in combating the underlying cause of the disease and in combating pain and inflammation.

Comparison of the different forms of arthritis

	Rheumatoid arthritis	Osteoarthritis	Gout
Main symptoms	1. Joint pain (usually on both sides of the body) 2. Loss of mobility 3. Severe joint pain 4. Fever 5. Fatigue 6. Symptoms are worse in the morning and don't improve throughout the day	1. Joint pain (on one or both sides of the body) 2. Loss of mobility 3. Symptoms are worse in the morning but improve throughout the day	1. Joint pain (on one or both sides of the body) 2. The pain starts suddenly, usually at night 3. Gout is accompanied by severe pain in the big toe or tip of the nose
Caused	1. Autoimmune diseases 2. Smoking 3. Alcohol consumption 4. Viral infections 5. Obesity	1. Permanent physical stress 2. Age 3. Past injuries 4. Temperature fluctuations (more common in cold weather) 5. Obesity	1. kidney disease 2. Alcohol consumption 3. High protein intake 4. Asian Origin
The main goals of the treatment	1. Support the function of the immune system 2. Relieve joint pain 3. Reduce inflammation	1. Relieve joint pain 2. Promoting the regeneration of cartilage and synovial fluid 3. Reduce inflammation	1. increased urination 2. Support of kidney function 3. Relieve joint pain

Does CBD help with arthritis?

In all forms of arthritis, there is a loss of the protective cartilage layer in the joints. The only difference between them is the cause of cartilage loss. The benefits of CBD for arthritic pain lie in its powerful anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxing effects. Most people use CBD for arthritis pain for external use - for example, in the form of CBD ointments or creams. CBD oil can also be effective, but its effects tend to be slower. In rheumatoid arthritis, CBD has the added benefit of suppressing excessive immune activity that inappropriately targets our own tissues. For gout, CBD has the added benefit of supporting kidney function. Untreated gout often leads to damage to the delicate capillaries in the kidneys, making the symptoms of gout itself worse.

How to best use CBD oil for arthritis pain

1. It is important to take the right dose.
2. Also, make sure the CBD you're taking is free of contaminants – look for test results from independent labs.
3. Combine CBD with other supplements and exercise – CBD works best when combined with other arthritis treatments.
4. Take CBD regularly and give it enough time to start seeing results - it may take a few weeks, so be patient.
5. You will get the best results if you use CBD externally and internally - the outer cream works quickly, but the effects of the CBD oil last longer.

CBD for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Each of our cells has a special protein "label" on the outside. This tells the immune cells (T cells and B cells) that they belong there, just like someone has a ticket for a building. Without this "ticket", it is classified as dangerous and immediately destroyed. An autoimmune disease develops when this system is disturbed.

Several things can go wrong:

The labels on the outside of the cell are incorrect.

The cells do not have a label on the outside.

The immune cells ignore the label and attack the cell.

In all these cases, the result is practically the same: the immune system begins to attack its own cells. When this happens in the joint tissue, rheumatoid arthritis develops.

The characteristic signs of this disease are redness and swelling of the joints. Usually, the joints on both sides of the body are equally affected by the inflammation, and patients often describe a "hot" feeling in these areas. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are medications that can help keep the symptoms of the disease at bay. Most of these drugs are anti-inflammatory, as inflammation is the main cause of the disease.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis:

• Pain in the joints
• Inflammation in the joints
• Stiffness
• Loss of range of motion
• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Anaemia
• Fever

How to use CBD for rheumatoid arthritis

1. The focus on full-spectrum extracts. These provide a higher level of pain relief than isolates.
2. Get products with external application that heat up. Heating relieves joint pain and improves blood flow to the joint.
3. Only buy products that have been tested for heavy metals and pesticides – contamination with these elements can backfire and worsen pain and inflammation over time.
4. Combine CBD supplements with other anti-inflammatory agents - such as curcumin or frankincense.
5. Use high-potency CBD products – lower potencies are unlikely to significantly improve the condition.

CBD for osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis also causes joint pain, but it is not an autoimmune disease. Osteoarthritis begins with inflammation of the joints, which damages the cartilage and cells that produce the smooth synovial fluid that reduces friction and facilitates movement in the joints. Once the joint begins to shrink due to cartilage degradation, the inflammation worsens. This disease has the characteristic that the worse it is, the faster it progresses. The basic treatment of osteoarthritis includes taking anti-inflammatory drugs, restricting movement in the joint, and taking supplements to promote the formation of synovial fluid and cartilage. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis can be cured depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's willingness to change their diet and lifestyle.

 

 

 

Symptoms of osteoarthritis

• Pain in the joints
• Inflammation in the joints
• Stiffness
• Loss of range of motion

How to use CBD for osteoarthritis

1. Full-spectrum CBD oils are the most suitable. These have a higher degree of efficiency due to the entourage effect.
2. It is optimal to combine CBD with other supplements aimed at restoring cartilage tissue in the joints - for example, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.
3. CBD is best used externally and internally – this brings a much greater level of relief.
4. Use external products that have either a warming or cooling effect.
5. Only use medium or high potency CBD products - Low potency products are unlikely to provide adequate relief from osteoarthritis.

What does the research say?

In a study of collagen-induced arthritis in mice, researchers found that  CBD administration  slowed the progression of both acute and chronic arthritis. In this particular study, both CBD injections and orally administered CBD had the same effect. The dose used in this study was quite high – about 25 mg/kg per day.

Another group of researchers wanted to find out what makes CBD and other cannabinoids so beneficial for arthritis. They tested the effects of various synthetic cannabinoids and a cannabidiol analogue (O-1918) and found that another receptor – known as GPR55 – is involved in the processes behind the benefits of cannabinoids in relieving arthritis pain.   

• Biochemical mechanisms of CBD for arthritis.
• Inhibits the proliferation of T lymphocytes in damaged joint tissue.
• Inhibits the cytotoxic activity of T cells.
• Suppresses macrophage function and antigen presentation.
• Inhibits the production of nitric oxide by macrophages.
• It modulates tumor necrosis factor (TNF), IL-1 and IFN-g.
• Suppresses chemokine production in B cells.

How to use CBD oil for arthritis

When using CBD to treat arthritis, there are two options: external and internal use. Both methods have their pros and cons, but the best treatment is a combination of both. Let's consider each form of application in detail.

1. CBD oil for arthritis

CBD oil enters the joints from the body's internal organs. It is absorbed in the intestines, enters the bloodstream and then reaches the joints via the blood. In this way, the active ingredients reach the deeper tissue of the joints. This is effective in arthritis because the inflammatory processes take place deep in the joint itself - deep under structures such as bones and ligaments that slow down the absorption of externally ingested cannabis. CBD oils also have the added effect of targeting receptors in the spine that block the transmission of pain. In addition to CBD oils , you can also take other forms of CBD for internal use, such as CBD capsules, CBD edibles, CBD candies, CBD vaporizer pens, or CBD flowers.

How much CBD should you take?

The dose of CBD for arthritis can vary depending on the severity of symptoms and the type of arthritis. For low-grade osteoarthritis, which is characterized by mild joint pain, a low dose of CBD may  be sufficient. For rheumatoid arthritis or severe osteoarthritis, a medium or high dose of CBD may be required. When trying CBD for the first time, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. If you notice relief from the symptoms of the disease, you have found the right dose.

2. CBD ointment for arthritis

CBD when used topically is very useful for arthritis as it delivers anti-inflammatory cannabinoids directly to the source. This form of CBD provides quick and effective pain relief at the site of the disease. Ointments also offer other benefits, such as cooling or warming agents, which provide additional relief for aching joints. CBD ointments work for 4 to 6 hours, so they need to be applied several times a day. The best CBD ointments for arthritis contain a full-spectrum extract, are formulated with herbs and arthritis-fighting ingredients, and offer a high concentration of CBD (at least 4 mg/ml). When it comes to fighting arthritis, the stronger the ointment, the better.

 

 

 

What are the side effects of CBD?

Although the safety of CBD has been proven many times, it is important to know the potential side effects. Every person is different, and what works for one person may not always be equally good for another.

Here are some of the most common side effects of CBD:

• Appetite suppression
• Diarrhoea
• Sleepiness
• dry mouth
• Vertigo
• lower heart rate
• Seating

Diet and lifestyle changes for arthritis pain

CBD works best when used in conjunction with other joint pain treatments. The  active ingredients found in CBD help reduce inflammation and relieve pain symptoms, but they may not be enough to completely suppress symptoms. Below are some additional steps that you can combine with CBD for a stronger and longer-lasting effect:

1. Maintain your ideal weight and BMI

Obesity is one of the most common factors in the development of arthritis. Weight loss is a very effective method of relieving chronic joint pain and arthritis.

2. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise contributes to the production of endorphins , which are natural painkillers. In addition, the joints are better supplied with blood and regeneration is accelerated. To avoid further irritation of the joints, it is best to focus on light-weight exercises, such as swimming or the elliptical.

3. Eat lots of foods rich in antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables contain a high concentration of antioxidants, which help protect joints from further damage. There are also various antioxidant supplements available on the market.

 

 

 

4. Eat foods rich in fiber

Fiber speeds up the transit time in the intestine and reduces the burden of inflammation.

5. Avoid known allergens

Eating foods that trigger allergic reactions can increase the overall inflammatory burden and worsen arthritis symptoms.

6. Learn to manage stress

Cortisol, an important stress hormone, promotes inflammation and can make symptoms worse over time. It is helpful to take steps to keep stress levels as low as possible.

7. Quit smoking

Smoking is one of the main triggers of rheumatoid arthritis and can slow down the healing process in the case of physical injuries or osteoarthritis.

Other Arthritis Supplements You Can Take With CBD

In addition to CBD products, there are many other supplements that you can take to support the health of your joints. Targeted nutrition, a healthy lifestyle and taking the right supplements always have the biggest impact on reducing joint pain. Consider one or more of the following options that you can use along with CBD ointments or CBD oils to best treat your arthritis.

1. Frankincense (Boswellia serrata)

An extract from this herb is a popular supplement to support joint health. It inhibits one of the most important inflammatory enzymes involved in the inflammatory processes in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (5-LOX).

2. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

Like frankincense, turmeric also inhibits another enzyme involved in arthritis (COX).

3. Glucosamine sulfate

This compound serves as a precursor for cartilage formation in the joints, thus promoting faster repair of damaged joint tissue.

4. Chondroitin sulfate

This is another important component of articular cartilage that is usually taken at the same time as glucosamine.

5. Vitamin D

A common cause of joint pain is vitamin D deficiency. This is especially beneficial if you live in northern climates, where there is little sunlight for several months of the year.

6. Elytrigia repellent (Elytrigia repellent)

The pyre is particularly good for gout pain. It is a diuretic that promotes the elimination of excess uric acid through the urine.

Examples of supplements that are suitable for combining with CBD:

Supplement	Stack	Cans per day
Highly effective CBD oil (1000 mg)	2-3 ml	Twice a day
Glucosamine Sulfate	500 mg	Three times a day
Chondroitin sulfate	400 mg	Three times a day
Extract from incense	800 mg	Three times a day

Frequently asked questions about CBD for arthritis

1. Should I use CBD oil for arthritis?

Whether you take CBD with external or internal management is entirely up to you. If you want immediate relief, reach for CBD with topical application. If you have mild arthritis and need a single dose of CBD throughout the day  , consider taking strong CBD oil instead. For best results, use both forms of CBD - topical for quick pain and inflammation control and CBD oil for all-day support.

2. Can CBD interact with my arthritis medications?

CBD is a very safe dietary supplement and has hardly any interactions with other medications. However, some rheumatoid arthritis medications are very powerful and can alter the immune system itself. If you are already taking medication to treat your disease, you should consult a doctor. CBD has little or no interaction with common painkillers, but they should still be taken separately.

3. What is rheumatism?

Rheumatism is the traditional medical term for joint pain. Recently, however, it has been replaced by more specific terms that depend on the cause of the joint pain.

Rheumatic diseases include, for example:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis - autoimmune causes
2. Osteoarthritis - traumatic injuries and inflammatory causes
3. Gout — a buildup of uric acid that leads to inflammation and joint damage
4. Fibromyalgia - cause unknown
5. Lyme disease - a blood-borne parasitic infection that affects the joints

4. Rheumatism vs. Arthritis: What's the Difference Between Them?

Technically, rheumatism refers to all joint pain, but the term has evolved over the years. Most people who use the word rheumatism these days refer to a specific type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. This is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and inflammation in the joint tissues of the entire body. There are other forms of arthritis and joint pain, such as osteoarthritis and gout.

5. Can CBD help with seronegative rheumatoid arthritis?

People with rheumatoid arthritis can be tested for inflammatory markers. If these markers are present, the condition is considered "seropositive". However, if these markers are not found, but the patient still has clear symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, the condition is called "seronegative". CBD can  alleviate symptoms in seronegative patients despite the lack of inflammatory markers. Inflammation still occurs at the local level in this disease, and the other benefits of CBD in pain transmission still apply.

Final decision: the use of CBD for arthritis

Arthritis is characterized by the loss of cartilage and synovial fluid, which causes bones to rub directly against other bones. This then leads to faster degeneration of the cartilage, the development of pain and limited joint mobility. CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory substance that helps break the cycle of inflammation and degeneration in the joints. In addition, CBD  is a powerful painkiller due to its ability  to activate opioid receptors in the spinal cord and brain.

For certain forms of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, CBD offers  additional benefits due to its ability to regulate the activation of immune cells and promote kidney health. To get the most benefit, we recommend using both CBD for topical use and CBD oil. You can also take capsules, vaporizing oils, gummies, or hemp flowers.

The best CBD products for fighting arthritis have been proven to be tested by an independent laboratory, which proves that they are free of contaminants, have a high CBD content, and use a full-spectrum extract . To enhance the effects of CBD even more, it is best to combine several different supplements and lifestyle changes that support joint health rather than relying on CBD alone.

 

 

Author: Canatura

PHOTO: Shutterstock

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