What is Osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that causes pain and inflammation of the weight-bearing joints. This condition mainly affects the knees and the hips. But it can also affect the spine and the hands.
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
The symptoms of osteoarthritis include pain and swelling of the affected joints with limited ranges of motion. Other symptoms include tenderness, stiffness, and formation of bone spurs.
Medications help control the symptoms. But nowadays, an increasing number of people use CBD oil for arthritis. They find that CBD helps reduce many osteoarthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness.
How CBD Works on Arthritis Pain?
Is CBD good for arthritis?
CBD actually has many properties that help reduce osteoarthritis symptoms.
It stimulates several non-cannabinoid receptors responsible for pain control. This results in the reduction of pain-generating chemicals that irritate the nerve endings. CBD also works on the cannabinoid receptor type 2 and other receptors that modulate inflammation. This results in the death of the abnormal immune cells and improvement in the swelling.
When these symptoms controlled, you can move freely with little pain and stiffness.
Recommended CBD oil for Arthritis Pain
What Research Says about CBD Oil for Arthritis?
So, how effective is CBD at treating joint pain?
Several CBD and osteoarthritis studies have been done on animal models, and they show promising results.
CBD relieved pain and swelling in a 2017 study done on rats. The findings of the study were also similar to earlier 2014 and 2016 studies. They showed a reduction in pain-related behaviors as well as inflammation in rats with this joint problem.
As for studies done on humans, we need more scientific evidence. But anecdotal stories do show improvement in many patients with osteoarthritis.
If you want to try the best CBD for knee pain and swelling, make sure that it came from a trusted provider. We also recommend speaking with your doctor first about using CBD for osteoarthritis.
How CBD Oil Compares to Alternative Treatments for Arthritis?
Medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen help relieve pain and inflammation. But these drugs produce side effects like headaches, indigestion, stomach ulcers, and dizziness.
You may also try alternative treatments like hot and cold packs, acupuncture, and herbal supplements. But their effects may not be enough to control the symptoms and don’t last that long.
CBD oil for osteoarthritis, on the other hand, not only activates the cannabinoid and non-cannabinoid receptors that regulate the symptoms but is also safe and effective to use.
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is non-psychoactive, non-addictive, and non-toxic. It doesn’t increase dependence or abuse risk nor does it cause an overdose.
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The Pros and Cons of CBD Oil for Osteoarthritis
Is CBD oil good for arthritis?
CBD produces many therapeutic effects that benefit people suffering from osteoarthritis. But to help you reach a more informed decision, let’s go over the advantages and benefits of CBD for arthritis patients as well as its disadvantages.
Pros of CBD oil for osteoarthritis:
- CBD relieves pain and swelling through several non-cannabinoid receptors, not just the endocannabinoid system which also regulates many physiological responses and symptoms.
- It has a very good safety profile, according to the WHO.
- It isn’t intoxicating or addicting.
- It produces fast-acting and long-lasting effects.
- It can also help address other symptoms associated with osteoarthritis such as joint stiffness, sleep loss caused by pain, and mood problems caused by the symptoms.
Cons of CBD oil for osteoarthritis:
- Dosing can be pretty confusing, especially if you’re new to CBD oil.
- It also produces some side effects like dizziness and mouth dryness. But these are usually well-tolerated though.
There are many CBD brands to choose from, so we’ll also teach you tips on how to choose the right CBD oil.
Is CBD Oil Safe to Use for Arthritis?
If you’re suffering from osteoarthritis CBD may be an effective and safe alternative treatment.
As mentioned earlier, the WHO recognizes CBD as a safe, non-toxic, and non-intoxicating cannabinoid that can help relieve many symptoms, not just pain and swelling.
It may have some side effects. But these are usually mild and go away on their own.
CBD interacts with other medications though. So, we always recommend speaking with your primary care physician first before using CBD, especially if you’re on several maintenance medications.
CBD Oil Dosage for Osteoarthritis
How to use a CBD oil for joint pain is quite easy. It may be a trial-and-error at first, but you’ll soon find a dosage that works best for you. To make it easy, you may use our dosing chart.
- 5 to 10 drops (6.25 to 12.5 mg of CBD) for mild symptoms
- 15 to 20 drops (18.75 to 25 mg of CBD) for moderate symptoms
- 20 to 40 drops (25 to 50 mg of CBD) for severe symptoms
- 80 drops (100 mg of CBD) for extra-strength CBD
How long does it take for CBD oil to work for pain relief?
Don’t swallow the oil. Instead, place the drops under your tongue and let them absorb for a few minutes. In under 15 minutes, you’ll start feeling its effects.
Can CBD Oil Relieve Arthritis Pain?
Does CBD work for arthritis?
Yes, it does. It can help not just with osteoarthritis but with rheumatoid arthritis pain as well. CBD may also help relieve psoriatic pain.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Osteoarthritis
In choosing the best CBD oil for pain in 2021, especially for osteoarthritis use, be sure to look for the following factors:
- Organically-grown, pesticide-free, 100% natural hemp
- THC-free CBD oil
- Laboratory-tested CBD oil with certificate of analysis
- Excellent reviews and feedback not just about the product but the company as well
- Money-back guarantee
If the brand can’t show you these factors, then stay away from it. A good CBD oil brand like ICARIA is transparent and values its customers’ health and safety.
Conclusion — Does CBD Oil for Osteoarthritis Work?
Does CBD oil help arthritis?
Yes, definitely! It has many properties that can address several osteoarthritis symptoms.
If you want to buy CBD oil in Canada, be sure to look for the factors mentioned above. They help serve as a guide in choosing a good, trusted brand like ICARIA.
We source our CBD from 100% natural, organically-grown industrial hemp. All our products underwent rigid laboratory testing by a certified third party, and their certificates of analysis show proof of their quality, safety, and potency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the commonly asked questions regarding CBD oil use.
1. What is CBD oil?
CBD oil is simply CBD suspended in a carrier oil, usually MCT. It may be used to relieve many symptoms, not just arthritis.
2. Can CBD oil get you high?
CBD won’t make you high, and it won’t get you addicted. It doesn’t bind very well to the cannabinoid receptor type 1, the receptor THC activates to produce its intoxicating and addicting effects.
3. Is CBD oil safe?
Yes. According to the WHO, CBD is safe and has a good safety profile.
4. Is CBD oil legal in Canada?
Yes. Canada legalized CBD derived from both hemp and marijuana. Both can be purchased at your nearest dispensary. You can even order CBD oil online.
5. Do you need a prescription for CBD oil in Canada?
No. You’re not required to get your doctor’s prescription when buying CBD oil in Canada. Just make sure that you only buy CBD oil from trusted providers like ICARIA.