Several million people suffer from osteoarthritis, which is the most common joint disease in France. However, traditional medicine is unable to treat all patients suffering from this very common pathology. With its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can be an effective natural remedy against this type of disease. As you continue reading, you will discover how cannabidiol can help combat the impacts of osteoarthritis.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis can be defined by a progressive degradation of the cartilage of the joints . This phenomenon generally appears with old age. The joints affected by osteoarthritis are subject to inflammation, in addition, the complete disappearance of the cartilage can lead to a blockage of the joint.
Symptoms of this disease vary depending on the joint involved, however, the most common symptom is pain , as well as functional discomfort in the joints. Joints affected by osteoarthritis are neither red nor hot, however, when an effusion of fluid called "synovium" occurs, the latter can swell.
People with osteoarthritis are also at risk for joint deformities. Most commonly, these deformities affect the hands and knees.
Traditional medicine treatments intended to treat osteoarthritis have many serious side effects . It is in particular to alleviate this situation that many people turn to alternative treatments such as CBD cream , in order to alleviate the suffering generated by osteoarthritis.
What is the action of CBD on osteoarthritis?
CBD has both anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties , this molecule is also effective in combating chronic, rheumatic, inflammatory and joint pain. It is therefore the combination of pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis that suggests that CBD could be effective against this pathology, since it involves calming the inflammation and therefore alleviating the pain.
Thus, CBD acts on two places: the precise area where the pain is located (knee joint, fingers, etc.) as well as on the central nervous system, which has the function of signaling the pain felt to the brain. To do this, signals are emitted each time the nerves or cells that cause the pain are stimulated, and this is when CBD acts by alleviating this pain, thanks to its very effective analgesic function.
Several studies have found that CBD can help reduce inflammation caused by osteoarthritis , which is one of the main causes of joint pain. It is by reducing this same inflammation that CBD may be able to reduce swelling in affected areas, in addition to relieving pain.
The benefits of cannabidiol for relieving osteoarthritis are not limited to its anti-inflammatory effects, since this molecule also has analgesic effects . This means that CBD can be seen as an alternative to prescribed pain medications, as it is able to relieve symptoms such as joint stiffness and tenderness .
Additionally, some studies suggest that consuming CBD may be more effective than some drug treatments in reducing inflammation and relieving joint pain caused by osteoarthritis.
How to consume CBD against joint pain?
There are several ways to use CBD to reduce arthritis pain.
Topical use
Topical CBD products are applied to the skin, directly to the painful joint. Thus, the active ingredient of CBD acts locally without passing through the bloodstream. A topical CBD product is absorbed instantly and immediately relieves pain, however, its effect may last less time than oral use.
Topical cannabidiol products include CBD creams , which contain water to hydrate the skin and fatty substances to protect it, forming an impenetrable barrier. There are also CBD lotions on the market , which contain more water than creams. Lighter than the latter, CBD lotions are very moisturizing. Finally, there are balms and CBD creams , which are completely water-free, and take the form of a solidified oil that melts on contact with the skin.
Oral use
There are several ways to consume CBD orally, including: ingestion , which consists of swallowing CBD oil pure or mixed with a drink or dish. Once ingested, the CBD molecule passes through the digestive system before entering the bloodstream and acting on the entire body. The action of CBD when consumed in this way is slower, but longer .
CBD oil can also be consumed by sublingual route (the oil drops are placed under the tongue). The effects of CBD are felt more quickly , because the cannabidiol molecule directly enters the circulatory system via the capillaries located under the tongue, without passing through the intestine, the duration of action is then longer.
What mode of consumption is most effective for relieving osteoarthritis?
Although there are many ways to consume CBD for pain relief osteoarthritis, the topical method proves to be an effective way, since massaging a CBD-based product into the joints can help increase localized blood flow and relieve pain more effectively.
Cannabidiol creams are therefore recommended to deliver cannabidiol directly to the sore area, and are even more effective when used in combination with oral ingestion of oils. The main difference between an orally consumed CBD oil and a topically applied cream is that with a cream, the product is applied directly to the skin, allowing it to be absorbed into specific areas of the body .