Who It Affects
Arthritis can be gradual or a sudden onset. There are over 100 types with the most common being osteoarthritis, classed as a degenerative joint disease, and rheumatoid which is classed as a chronic disabling condition, affecting joints, tissues, muscles, tendons, and fibrous tissues.
Rheumatoid arthritis usually hits between the ages of 20 and 40, causing severe pain and sometimes deformities. According to According to statistics, at least 60% of patients within10 years of onset in developed countries are unable to keep a full-time job.
Osteoarthritis comes with age and affects hands, knees, and hips. It is considered one of the top ten disabling diseases in developed countries, affecting 9.5% of men and 18.0% of women, over age 60, globally; 80% have limited movement while 25% have difficulty performing daily tasks and activities.
In Canada, 6 million Canadians live with the effects of arthritis and put a huge strain on the healthcare system; the figure for the USA is 54 million adults – 300,000 kids!
Symptoms
There are several warning signs of arthritis:
- Stiffness, pain, and swelling in the joint(s)
- Stiffness in the joint(s) upon rising and lasting for an hour or more
- Pain and stiffness associated with inactivity but is better with physical activity
- Inflammation around the joints
- Less mobility
- Bodily changes such tiredness, weight loss, anemia, and sometimes a fever
Treatment
Presently, there is no known cure for arthritis but there are some actions you can take to alleviate the pain.
- Regular exercise
- Weight loss if needed
- Comfortable footwear
- Devices during every day activities that will put less strain on the affected joints
- Resting the joint and alternating applying ice and heat
- Painkillers, or surgery if severe
Arthritis and CBD
In 2019, the Arthritis Foundation became the first major health organization to release guidelines supporting CBD and its possible benefits for arthritis-related symptoms. However, they caution against inhaling due to a spike in vape-related deaths.
A national survey conducted in July on more than 2,600 patients with arthritis came up with some interesting statistics. 52% had been living with osteoarthritis and 45% with rheumatoid arthritis for 10 or more years. They were asked one question: “Have you tried CBD for your arthritis pain?
The results shared were as follows:
- 79% are presently using it, have in the past, or are thinking about using it
- 29% are presently using it for arthritis-related symptoms
- 63% use it daily
- 26% use it several times a week
- 62% take it in a liquid form
- 55% use a topical applied to the affected joint(s)
Besides this survey, studies have been carried out as well.
A study published February 2008, (Cannabinoids in the Management of Difficult to Treat Pain) found that several random clinical trials demonstrated safety and efficacy for Sativex in central and peripheral neuropathic pain, rheumatoid arthritis, and cancer pain.
Another study in 2016 concluded that CBD has therapeutic potential to aid in arthritis-related pain and inflammation without any noticeable adverse side-effects.
However, it is very clear that many more studies and research needs to be done and that more scientific evidence is needed.
Final Thoughts
Why live in constant pain if you don’t have to? The companies we have chosen offer top quality CBD and 3rd party testing. We hope our list of Best CBD Products for Arthritis will guide you to pick the best one for you and your body.
We would be interested to know if you have ever used CBD products and how they worked for you. Let us know in the comment section below6