Could CBD Be a Solution for Relieving Arthritis in Older Adults?

Also known as rheumatism, arthritis is the term used to describe about 100 different conditions characterized by pain in the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

Arthritis can result from an injury, an infection, or natural wear and tear. Arthritis can also be caused by an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its own tissues. In this article, learn all about arthritis in older adults and the potential benefits of CBD for this condition. 

Also known as rheumatism, arthritis is the term used to describe about 100 different conditions characterized by pain in the joints, ligaments, tendons, bones, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints. It can be chronic or acute. It is associated with many joint diseases. Arthritis most often affects people aged 50 or older.

Symptoms of arthritis include a joint that may be painful, swollen, warm, or red. The pain subsides as the body begins to move.

Some forms of arthritis cause inflammation. This leads to swelling, pain, and redness. Joint pain and musculoskeletal pain are common symptoms of various forms of arthritis. However, each patient has their own symptoms and disease progression, which vary from person to person. Risk factors also vary depending on the type of arthritis.

• Osteoarthritis

This is degenerative arthritis. It is the most common form, caused by cartilage wear and tear. Osteoarthritis is, in fact, a result of the wear and tear of the cartilage that covers and protects the bones in the joint, as well as the formation of tiny bony growths.

In most cases, osteoarthritis affects the joints that bear a large portion of the body's weight: the knees, feet, hips, and spine.

Osteoarthritis is often linked to age, being overweight, or repeated use of the joint during sports activities. It rarely develops before the age of 40.

It is important to note that osteoarthritis in older adults is one of the most common causes of loss of independence.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. It mainly affects the joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. This inflammation can affect the entire body and other organs.

This disease is twice as common in women. Those affected are primarily people between the ages of 40 and 60. The cause remains unknown, but scientists suggest an autoimmune origin and a genetic component.

There are other forms of arthritis, such as gout, which causes inflammation and pain, most often in the big toe. 

There is also a form of psoriatic arthritis, which is accompanied by skin lesions typical of psoriasis.

While osteoarthritis pain is more noticeable during the day, it often occurs at night and is more or less constant.

• Arthritis-Related Conditions

Some conditions are related to and develop in connection with arthritis. These conditions include Lyme disease, Raynaud's disease, fibromyalgia, Paget's disease of bone, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

There are various ways to reduce arthritis-related symptoms in older adults. Arthritis pain varies from person to person depending on the severity and extent of the condition.

• Maintaining a Healthy Weight

If you are overweight, it is strongly recommended that you lose weight to reduce pain.

When it comes to osteoarthritis, weight can be a major risk factor for the progression of the disease. The choice of physical activity depends on the individual. Depending on the older adult, certain physical activities are recommended.

• Get enough rest and relaxation

Breathing and relaxation exercises can help relax the body. In addition, a good night's sleep helps reduce pain.

• Engage in regular physical activity

Physical exercise helps maintain joint mobility. During exercise, the body releases endorphins throughout the body, producing a pain-relieving effect.

Stretching, endurance exercises, and strength training are recommended because they can contribute to the well-being of people with arthritis.

• Give a therapeutic massage

Massage is beneficial for relaxing the muscles and soothing the body

• Join a support network

There are support groups where you can talk, break out of isolation, and learn about the latest technological developments.

• Receive medical treatment

It is important to know that there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis. The medications used are intended to control pain and inflammation.

The treatment thus helps maintain an optimal quality of life.

Treatment options include analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids (under medical supervision).

Although cannabidiol (CBD) may help treat joint pain associated with arthritis, further research is needed to confirm this. Animal studies have shown that CBD, derived from cannabis, may have anti-inflammatory effects. This explains why some people may find it helpful in relieving arthritis pain.

If you're taking CBD for arthritis, you can take it orally, in the form of oil, or add it to food in liquid form. It can also be applied to the skin in the form of creams or lotions.

Animal studies suggest that CBD may help reduce inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis. However, further research is needed to confirm the reported benefits of CBD in humans. When taking CBD for arthritis, you can apply it to your skin using a CBD oil, cream, or balm to target the affected area. However, it can also be taken orally for more general health benefits.

Talk to your healthcare provider before using CBD for arthritis. CBD should not replace medications or supplements prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat arthritis. CBD products may also interact with certain medications, leading to unwanted side effects.

There are no specific guidelines for using CBD, nor are there any "official" dosing instructions. CBD is available in various forms, and the way it is absorbed into the bloodstream can vary.

• By mouth

CBD can be taken orally, in the form of edibles or liquids. Once ingested, it takes one to two hours for CBD to be absorbed, which delays its effects. Determining the actual dose of CBD can also be difficult when it is taken in edible form. For example, you might choose CBD herbal tea. 

• Sublingually

CBD oil can be taken sublingually, under the tongue. The effects are usually felt very quickly.

When you take CBD in oil form, note the dosage—the amount of liquid in one serving—and the amount of CBD in each dose.

• Topical (on the skin)

CBD can also be applied topically to joints affected by arthritis using CBD-containing products such as oils or balms.

Thus, the cooling balm is said to be particularly effective for soothing and relieving discomfort.

Some potential side effects of using CBD may include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Diarrhea

However, these symptoms are not serious and go away once you stop taking CBD.

CBD products can interact negatively with a variety of medications, many of which are also used to treat the symptoms of arthritis.

Beyond potential drug interactions, there are other risks associated with the use of CBD-based products. These risks may stem from potentially harmful levels of impurities or from a chemical composition that differs from what the product actually contains. 

In summary, CBD is a component of cannabis that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In animal studies, CBD products have reduced inflammation and joint pain caused by arthritis. However, there are still too few studies to support this theory in humans, including older adults with arthritis.

CBD is typically taken orally or applied to the skin to target areas affected by arthritis. 

However, if you're considering taking CBD to treat your arthritis symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider first.