Contents [ Hide ]
As we get older out body starts to work against us instead of for us, the wear and tear of everyday life can take a major toll on the joints and leave them needing some help to function at their best. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis can cause a long list of symptoms and debilitating effects such as pain, stiffness and decrease movement within the joints. Arthritis can be difficult to live with especially when you have to contend with other medical problems that tend to coexist with arthritis, like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Certain medications and treatments can help ease the negative effects brought on by arthritis, but many people are looking for a more natural pain relief option. This is where CBD comes into play, here we will take a look at how arthritis affects the body, treatments, types and how to use CBD oil for arthritis.
What Causes Arthritis?
When we move the connective tissue in our joints, cartilage protects those joints like a set of shocks in your car, it absorbs pressure and shocks you get when you move or put pressure on your joints. When the body starts to lose cartilage tissue that’s when arthritis will start to form.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is caused by general wear and tear and is one of the most common forms of arthritis. OA starts to form when cartilage tissue starts to break down between the joint which leads to the joints rubbing together. OA happens more often in older people, but can occur in younger people from time to time. Apart from joint damage due to old age, OA can be caused by torn cartilage, dislocated joints and ligament injuries. OA can occur in any joint throughout the body but as most commonly found in the hands, fingertips, knees, hips and spine. This can lead to a variety of ailments such as pain, tenderness, stiffness and inflammation. As OA gets worse over time the severity of pain can become more intense which is why it’s vital to recognize the early symptoms to help manage oncoming OA.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another common form of Arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), this autoimmune disorder occurs when the body’s immune system begins to attack the tissues in our body causing joint pain and damage throughout the body. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease where the symptoms occur during periods known as flares or exacerbations, symptoms can affect different organs in the body, with the joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis including joint pain, joint swelling, joint stiffness and loss of joint function and deformities. RA is a disease of the synovium that gradually destroys the joint which leads to the destruction of both bone and cartilage within the joints.
How To Diagnose Arthritis
When you think you may have arthritis it’s important to consult with your doctor, they will preform various tests to check the fluid around the joint and the range of motion. If the symptoms are severe they will refer you to a specialist, likely a rheumatologist. A doctor will extract the inflammation levels in the blood and also the fluid in the joints which should help them determine the severity and specific type of arthritis you may have. They may also test your blood for specific types of antibodies like anti-CCP (anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide), RF (rheumatoid factor), and ANA (antinuclear antibody). They will also preform an X-ray scan and a CT scan to provide an image for both your bones and cartilage.
How To Treat Arthritis
Medications
When treating arthritis it’s important to remember that it’s about reducing the amount of pain and to prevent any further damage. Many people who experience forms of arthritis use a variety of techniques to help deal with the pain, some use heating pads, ice packs or ointments to help deal with the inflammation and to provide relief. Others, especially those who are older use things like canes, walkers and wheelchairs to take the pressure joints affected by arthritis.
On top of that, doctors will also recommend certain medications to help improve overall joint function. Specific meditations a doctor will recommend are:
Analgesics such as Tylenol can help manage the pain on a day to day basis for those dealing with arthritis, they may also prescribe Vicodin for those in more pain then others. These medications will only help with the pain management side of things and won’t decrease inflammation.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are what your doctor will suggest to help manage the pain and inflammation of arthritis in the joints. Specifically they will recommend a form of ibuprofen such as Advil, Mortin IB, Aleve or salicylates.
Corticosteroid medications are a steroid that can help with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Medications such as prednisone help reduce inflammation, slow joint damage and help joints from becoming permanently damaged.
Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are also prescribed for those suffering with rheumatoid arthritis. Drugs like Trevall, Otrexup, Arava and Palaquenil are recommended for their ability to slow the progression of RA and to help reduce any permanent damage RA may cause. They do however come with possible side effects such as liver damage, bone marrow suppression and lung infections.
Therapy
Some doctors may send those suffering from arthritis to a physical or occupational therapist to help keep the joints flexible with a series of workouts and techniques. The therapist will instruct them how to use their body in different scenarios to allow for less stress on certain joints.
Surgery
This is usually one of the last resorts when it comes to dealing with arthritis, but some cases of arthritis require surgery to repair damaged joints. If surgery is required, the outcome is to help restore the use and ability of the joint and improve pain and function. Certain diagnosis of arthritis may require a certain type of surgery such a tendon repair, joint fusion or even total joint replacement in some cases.
CBD Oil for Arthritis Treatment
Over the last two years cannabinoid (CBD) has taken the medical world by storm, it has shown to help with a wide variety of ailments such as pain, inflammation, anxiety and much much more. Pain and inflammation are one of the most targeted areas when taking CBD, as CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), specifically two cannabinoid receptors found in ECS, CB1 and CB2. So, can CBD oil help with arthritis? CBD oil for arthritis treatment can be an effective method of helping with arthritis symptoms, here’s how.
CBD is intended to target two parts of the body, the area of which your pain, inflammation or soreness occurs and the central nervous system. When the nervous system detects certain stimulation or damage to the nerves or cells, it sends a pain signal to the brain. CBD works with your endocannabinoid system which is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids. Cannabinoid receptor proteins are expressed throughout the vertebrate central nervous system. CBD impacts your CB2 receptors, which can be found within the immune system and deals with are involved with the regulation of appetite, immune system functions and pain management.
These receptors work in response to the body’s pain and inflammation. CBD effects your brain in an indirect way. It entices the body to make more of its own cannabinoids rather than attaching directly. By doing this it creates a positive, healing effect on the pain that you may experience and inflammation responses. CB2 receptor involvement in the immune system could help explain why CBD oil may be helpful in people with inflammatory autoimmune forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis. CBD interacts with receptors that are primarily involved with coordination, movement, pain, emotional output, and the immune system.
Arthritis Foundation issues first CBD guidance for adults with arthritis
In July 2019 the Arthritis Foundation conducted a national survey amongst people with arthritis on how they feel about using CBD. According to the Arthritis Foundation, 79% of the 2600 people who responded to the survey reported that they are currently using CBD, have used it in the past or are considering using it as an alternative therapy to deal with their arthritis. The prompted the Arthritis Foundation to develop a set of guidelines on using CBD to help with arthritis symptoms.
They partnered with three experts — Daniel Clauw, MD, of the University of Michigan and director of the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center; Mary Ann Fitzcharles, MD, of McGill University; and Kevin Boehnke, PhD, of the University of Michigan and a researcher at the Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center. With the Arthritis Foundation these experts were able to conclude on these points surrounding CBD and arthritis:
- Although CBD may help patients with arthritis alleviate their pain, anxiety, sleep and insomnia, it is important to keep in mind the lack of rigorous clinical studies among this population;
- Although no major safety issues have been uncovered regarding moderate doses of CBD, potential drug interactions have been found;
- CBD should never be used in place a DMARD that can prevent permanent joint damage in arthritis;
- Patients should discuss CBD before using it, and schedule follow-up visits every 3 months, similar to the start of any new treatment;
- Patients using CBD should start with a low dose and only increase the amount as needed on a weekly basis; and
- CBD should only be purchased from reputable companies that test each batch for purity, potency and safety, using an independent laboratory and providing a certificate of analysis.
These three experts along with the Arthritis Foundation released a statement stating:
“As the largest organization representing the voice and needs of people with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation has always welcomed new treatment options because no single drug, supplement or therapy works for everyone,” the statement read. “We believe patients should be empowered to find safe management strategies that are appropriate for them. The more options available, the likelier it is that more people will benefit.
We are intrigued by the potential of CBD to help people find pain relief and are on record urging the FDA to expedite the study and regulation of these products,” the statement continued. “While currently there is limited scientific evidence about CBD’s ability to help ease arthritis symptoms, and no universal quality standards or regulations exist, we have listened to our constituents and consulted with leading experts to develop these general recommendations for adults who are interested in CBD.”
How To Use CBD Oil for Arthritis, Dosage and Products
When you started this article you asked yourself, can CBD oil help with arthritis? CBD oil for arthritis treatment isn’t a black and white answer, CBD has very much in the beginning stages of research and how it can effect the body in a positive way, helping manage a wide variety of ailments and issues throughout the body. If you’ve decided that CBD is the direction you want to take in helping manage your arthritis symptoms, we think you’re making a great decision. Here is how to use CBD oil for arthritis, the proper dosage and what product you should start with.
Dosage
When dosing CBD oil it’s important to start off slow and ease your way into it, it’s best to gauge off your body weight when starting to take CBD:
- <25 lbs: 4 mg
- 25-50 lbs: 5 mg
- 51-100 lbs: 6-7 mg
- 101-150 lbs: 8-10 mg
- 151-230 lbs: 12-15 mg
- 230< lbs: 15 mg+
As time goes on you will know if you should increase your intake of CBD and with very little side effects it is difficult to take too much CBD at one time.
Product
We recommend trying Haute’s 500-1000 MG CBD Tincture when using CBD. Perfect for both daytime and nighttime use. All our CBD Tinctures contain 0 THC, effectively eliminating any psychoactive effects. Making our Haute CBD drops the ideal product for anyone looking to relax their body without the euphoric high that comes with consuming THC. Once you’ve taken a few drops of our CBD Tincture it will help with all your arthritis issues. The health benefits of CBD are endless. Whether looking for a great everyday supplement to enhance one’s quality of life, a supplement to help combat high levels of anxiety, or a supplement to relieve absolutely any type of bodily pain, Haute’s CBD drops are the perfect product for you!
Not into taking CBD Oil drops? Not a problem! Haute has a variety of amazing CBD products that will also help with your arthritis pain:
CBD Pain Stick: Haute Health’s CBD Pain Stick offers quick and convenient relief from muscle, joint, and back pain. It has been formulated to help deal with everyday remedies, aches and discomfort. Once applied, the unique blend of therapeutic ingredients will immediately cool and soothe any discomfort for long-lasting relief.
Men and Women’s CBD Hand Cream: Haute Health’s CBD Hand Cream is perfect for helping with those dry and cracked skin while providing pain relief to those overworked hands. Haute’s CBD Hand Cream is a great natural way to relieve pain and hydrate your skin. Packed with 300 mg of CBD, Haute Health’s Hand Cream helps deal with joint pain, stiffness and swelling to help increase comfort and flexibility.
CBD Topical Salve: Nano-particle CBD delivery technology combines the healing properties of pure cannabidiol (CBD) isolate with the bio enhancing powers of Pacific Ocean derived ionized nanoparticle trace minerals. An effective blend of natural potentiation factors including the terpenes Myrcene, Ocimene and Humulene and a proprietary blend of essential oils.
CBD Isolate Powder: Our CBD Isolate derived entirely from industrial hemp oil that was extracted from industrial hemp. Our isolate comes in crystalline (powdered) form making it extremely easy to work with as an ingredient. CBD Isolates are a great way to incorporate CBD into your daily routine, whether you want to add CBD to your food and drinks or create your own CBD topic products, our convenient Isolate Powders are perfect for any CBD consumer looking to reap all of the benefits of 99% pure CBD with 0.0% THC.
Head over to Haute Health to buy any one of these great CBD products! First time buying? You’ll get 20% off your first order and $20 in credit when you sign up with Haute Health, what are you waiting for! Get the relief you deserve.
FAQ
What is the best dosage of CBD for arthritis relayed symptoms?
Finding an effective dose of CBD is fairly straight forward. Using the Stepwise Dosing procedure you should establish a baseline dosage, then adjust your baseline dos incrementally over a three day period. During this period you will find a dose that best suits your needs, everyone responds differently to CBD so there are no set doses for specific conditions.
Will CBD help with Arthritis – What the current research says
Studies have found that topical application of CBD can help potentially relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis
Sublingual Oils vs Vapor – Which are the best?
CBD vapes can produce a more instant feeling of relief due to it entering the system faster, but it usually does not last as long. When taking CBD Oil it can take up to an hour for the effects to kick in but can last longer then vaporizing CBD. CBD oil can last in the system up to 3-5 hours.
