Millions of people worldwide suffer from arthritis, making their daily life difficult and painful.
Although there are a lot of arthritis treatments available, many people are turning to CBD as a natural option for managing their symptoms.
Let’s explore the potential benefits of CBD for arthritis pain relief (especially in seniors) and more.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in the joints.
It can affect people of all ages but is most common in older adults.
There are over 100 different types of arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
All types of this condition can be incredibly painful and significantly impact people’s quality of life.
While there is no cure for most types of arthritis currently, treatments are available to help manage symptoms.
The most common types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that covers the ends of bones wears down over time. It’s mostly seen in older adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and pain.
Psoriatic arthritis
This type affects people with psoriasis who develop joint inflammation.
Gout
Arthritis that causes swelling and pain in the joints because there is too much uric acid in the body, which collects in the joints.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
JIA is a form that affects children under 16 for at least six weeks or more.
CBD’s potential benefits for arthritis
CBD’s potential benefits for arthritis are numerous and exciting.
Studies have shown that CBD may help reduce the inflammation, pain, and stiffness associated with arthritis.
It does this by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates immune function, inflammation, and pain perception.
CBD may also be able to slow down the progression of joint damage caused by some forms of arthritis.
It is generally well tolerated with few side effects and could be a more attractive option than traditional pain medications.
More research is needed to understand the potential benefits of CBD for arthritis fully.
CBD for arthritis in seniors
Arthritis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it’s more prevalent among seniors.
It is estimated that almost 50% of adults over 65 have arthritis.
The symptoms can be extremely painful and debilitating, affecting mobility and quality of life.
Fortunately, CBD has shown great potential in managing arthritis pain, especially for seniors.
Using CBD is a safer alternative to traditional arthritis medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids. Side effects of traditional medication can include gastrointestinal bleeding, addiction, stomach ulcers, and liver damage.
CBD also comes in various forms, like topical creams, which can be applied directly to the affected area without any psychoactive effects.
While people have reported positive results from using CBD for arthritis pain relief, more research is needed to understand how effective it is.
CBD side effects
CBD is usually safe and not too difficult to tolerate.
However, it can lead to side effects like dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight.
If you take any prescribed medications, inform your healthcare provider before taking CBD, as it can interfere.
Most of these effects are usually mild and go away soon.
But if you have more serious signs like trouble breathing or swelling in your face or neck after taking CBD, get medical help immediately.
Forms of CBD for arthritis
CBD comes in various forms, making it easy for people with arthritis to choose the most convenient way to consume it.
- Premium CBD oil is a popular choice for many people with arthritis because it’s fast-acting when put under your tongue with a dropper.
- CBD capsules or pills are options for those who prefer an easily digestible method. The capsules come pre-measured.
- CBD topicals such as creams, balms, and lotions are applied directly to the skin around affected areas like joints or muscles where pain relief is needed. These topicals can provide targeted relief by reducing inflammation and swelling.
- For people who enjoy smoking or vaping, CBD-infused e-liquids or pre-filled vape pens can offer quick relief from arthritis pain.
- You can eat CBD gummies; they can take a while to start working, but once they do, the effects last longer.
Dos and don’ts of using CBD for arthritis
When it comes to using CBD for arthritis, there are some dos and don’ts that you should keep in mind.
DO: Start with a low dose. It’s always best to start with a small amount of CBD and gradually increase the dosage until you find the right level of relief.
DON’T: Rely on CBD alone. While CBD can help manage arthritis pain, it’s not a cure-all. You should still follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.
DO: Choose high-quality products. Look for products that have been third-party tested and come from reputable manufacturers.
DON’T: Ignore potential side effects. Although rare, some people may experience side effects when taking CBD.
DO: Be patient. It may take several weeks of consistent use before you notice significant benefits from using CBD for arthritis pain relief.
DO: Speak to a medical practitioner before using CBD.
Final thoughts
While more research is needed to understand the benefits of CBD for arthritis fully, many people have found relief using it.
Whether you are looking for an oil, cream, or another CBD product, many options are available.
So, try and see if this natural remedy could be the solution you’ve been searching for.