Can CBD Help with Arthritis Pain Relief?

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that causes swelling and tenderness of joints. Experts estimate that 22% of adults have some form of arthritis, making it a leading cause of disability in the United States (CDC). Arthritis is more prevalent in older populations, with 50% of adults 65 years or older reporting the diagnosis (CDC).

There are several types of arthritis, but the symptoms of different types of arthritis are similar. The main symptoms are joint pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis, the most common type of inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to target and attack joints. Usually, the joints are in the hands, wrists, knees, and feet. This causes inflammation and leads to symmetrical joint pain and stiffness in affected areas. Wear and tear on joints causes a degenerative condition called osteoarthritis. It wears away the cartilage around the bone of the joints, commonly knees, hips, and hands. As bone cartilage wears away, bones grate against each other causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of flexibility.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that can affect the quality of a person’s life. Traditional treatments sometimes fall short of a patient’s needs or expectations. Patients may use CBD as an alternative substance to help manage the pain that comes with arthritis.

CBD for Arthritis Pain

Pain reduction is one of the most common uses of CBD treatments. Patients with arthritis are good candidates for CBD (cannabidiol) treatment. CBD may lower inflammation and reduce pain (Lowin et al., 2020, Philpott et al., 2017). Studies have also shown that patients can use CBD to treat chronic pain as a safer alternative to opioids. One study showed that half of the patients were able to reduce or eliminate their use of opioids within eight weeks of starting CBD, and almost all users reported quality-of-life improvements (Capano et al., 2019).

The Arthritis Foundation conducted a poll, finding that 29% of respondents reported using CBD to treat their arthritis (Arthritis Foundation). Most respondents reported pain as the primary reason for CBD use. 71% of the respondents that used CBD reported improvements in their sleep, and 77% reported reduced anxiety (Arthritis Foundation). We think CBD is safe and the potential for addiction is low, especially compared to opioid pain medication. Doctors often prescribe opioids for chronic pain (Arthritis Foundation).

CBD Topical Cream and Oils

CBD treats arthritis pain. The most popular method is using a CBD topical (cream or oil). Topical CBD comes in many forms such as sprays, rollers, and lotions. The type of CBD topical used depends on the patient’s preference. Patients can apply topical CBD directly to the skin and patients should feel the effects in twenty to thirty minutes. The effects of topical CBD can last from four to six hours per use. Topical creams are more popular for pain relief due to having more consistency in effectiveness. The skin absorbs them directly. Topical treatments can also target a specific area instead of the entire body. Patients can use topical treatments once to three times per day, as needed.

When patients use any new CBD treatments, we tell them to start with a low dose and gradually increase it. Until the patient notices a change in their pain level they should adjust. After one week of using CBD, patients can increase the dose if needed, and so on.

Hempeutics pharmacy, founded by pharmacist Dr. Peggy, offers CBD topical remedies including oil, spray, and cream. Patients can purchase these in our online shop, or at our physical store in Huntington Beach, California. Dr. Peggy’s favorite formula is ease topical, a CBD oil infused with essential oils to help with absorption.

CBD Tinctures

Patients orally ingest a CBD tincture. A tincture is an oil that patients take under the tongue, holding it for thirty to ninety seconds before swallowing. Placing advance CBD oil under the tongue allows for a more direct route to the bloodstream. Patients will feel the effects of tinctures in twenty to sixty minutes if put under the tongue. CBD tincture effects can vary slightly based on metabolism, and if the patient has eaten recently. Tinctures may reduce pain and inflammation in the entire body rather than a specific area. Patients can use tinctures once to three times per day as needed, but we recommend starting with a low dose.

Learn more about CBD oil here: https://www.postingguru.com/do-you-think-cbd-aid-in-sleep/