World Arthritis Day is observed on October 12th each year and is an opportunity to raise awareness of the condition and its various forms. Arthritis affects around 350 million people worldwide, with osteoarthritis being the most common type. This article will discuss all you need to know about arthritis and how researchers and scientists look at CBD for this condition.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for a group of over 100 conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common form is osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage cushions the joints and breaks down over time. The cartilage acts as a shock absorber, so when it starts to wear away, the bones rub together, causing pain and inflammation.
Arthritis can also be caused by autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis. In these cases, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing pain and inflammation. Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout. Arthritis can also be caused by injury or infection.
Early Warning Signs of Arthritis You Shouldn't Ignore
Arthritis can be difficult to diagnose early because the symptoms can vary from person to person. Additionally, the symptoms may come and go, making them even more challenging to detect.
However, there are some early warning signs that you shouldn't ignore. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, you must see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment.
1. Pain in the Joints
One of the most common early warning signs of arthritis is joint pain. This pain may come and go at first, but it will eventually become more persistent as the condition progresses. The pain may be aggravated by physical activity or cold weather.
2. Stiffness in the Joints
Another early symptom of arthritis is stiffness in the joints. This stiffness is often most pronounced in the morning upon waking up. It may take a few minutes for the stiffness to dissipate once you start moving around.
3. Inflammation or Swelling in the Joints
Inflamed joints are another common symptom of arthritis. This inflammation can cause swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected joint/s. The inflammation may also make it difficult to move or use the joint properly.
4. Cracking or Grating Sensations When Moving Joints
If you experience cracking or grating sensations when moving your joints, it could be a sign of arthritis. This is especially true if the sensation is accompanied by pain or swelling.
5. Decreased Range of Motion
A limited range of motion is another early symptom of arthritis. This means you won't be able to move your joints through their full range of motion without pain or discomfort.
How Is Arthritis Treated?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for arthritis. However, treatments available can help ease the symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Medications: Many different types of medication are available to treat pain, swelling, and stiffness caused by arthritis. These include over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, anti-inflammatory drugs, and prescription medications like steroids. Some people with arthritis also take disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow the progression of their condition.
- Diet: Eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. These anti-inflammatory foods include omega-3 fatty acids-containing foods, ginger, turmeric, and bone broth. In addition, avoiding processed foods, sugar, and excess alcohol can also help to reduce inflammation. Making these dietary changes may not eliminate all arthritis symptoms, but they can help to reduce pain and improve overall health.
- Supplements: Some studies have shown that taking glucosamine sulfate or chondroitin sulfate supplement can help to reduce pain and improve joint function. Both of these supplements are found naturally in the body and are thought to play a role in maintaining healthy joints. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.
- Surgery: In some cases, you may need surgery to repair damaged joints or replace them entirely.
Top 5 Home Remedies for Arthritis
Although there is no cure for arthritis, at-home management can help relieve symptoms. These five home remedies for arthritis may help ease your pain.
1. Heat and Cold Therapy
One of the simplest home remedies for arthritis is heat and cold therapy. Applying heat to sore joints can help reduce stiffness and pain, while applying cold can help reduce inflammation. You can use a heating pad, warm compress, or warm bath to apply heat to your affected joints. To use cold therapy, apply a cold pack or ice wrapped in a towel to your affected area for 10-15 minutes.
2. Exercise
Exercise is essential for everyone, but it's especially crucial for those with arthritis. Low-impact activities like swimming, Tai Chi, and walking can help strengthen the muscles around your joints and improve your range of motion. Regular exercise can also help reduce pain and improve overall health. Always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine.
3. Topical Creams
Many over-the-counter options are available, and they can often provide significant relief. These creams typically contain ingredients like capsaicin, salicylates, and cannabidiol, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Just be sure to read the label carefully before applying any topical cream to your skin.
4. Epsom Salt Baths
Epsom salt contains magnesium sulfate, which has anti-inflammatory properties that can benefit people with arthritis. Soaking in an Epsom salt bath for 15-20 minutes can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
5. Mind-Body Therapies
Mind-body therapies like meditation and yoga can help focus on deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which may help ease pain perception in people with chronic conditions like arthritis. Research has shown that these therapies may improve sleep quality and energy levels.
Debunking Myths About Arthritis
Despite the prevalence of arthritis, there are still a lot of misconceptions about it. Here are some of the most common myths about this condition.
Myth #1: Only older people get arthritis.
Truth: While it is true that arthritis is more common in older adults, people of all ages can suffer from this condition. In fact, there are over 100 different types of arthritis, and some can even develop in childhood.
Myth #2: Arthritis only affects the joints.
Truth: Arthritis actually affects more than just the joints. It can also cause problems in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones surrounding the joint. In severe cases, it can even lead to deformities.
Myth #3: You can only get arthritis if you have a family history.
Truth: While a family history of arthritis may increase your risk factor, it is not the only cause of this condition. Other risk factors include obesity, infection, joint injury, and overuse.
Myth #4: Arthritis is not a serious condition.
Truth: Arthritis can be excruciating and debilitating. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of disability in the US. If left untreated, it can damage joints irreversibly and lead to a loss of mobility.
Can CBD Help Relieve Your Arthritis Pain?
If you have arthritis, you're not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting more than 50 million adults. And while there are many available treatments, they don't work for everyone. If you're looking for an alternative treatment option, you may wonder if CBD can help with arthritis pain. Let's take a look at what the science says.
CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, regulating sleep, appetite, inflammation, and pain. When CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, it can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that CBD may help to relieve arthritis pain by reducing inflammation and protecting nerve cells from damage. The study's authors concluded that CBD could be a "promising therapeutic agent" for treating osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Another study looked at rats with arthritis and found that topical CBD application reduced joint swelling, inflammation, and pain-related behaviors. The study's authors concluded that topical CBD might be a "safe, useful therapeutic target" for treating arthritis pain.
Recent studies also supported previous CBD and arthritis researches. One study looked at the effects of CBD on rats with osteoarthritis. The rats were given CBD for four days in a row, and the researchers found that their pain decreased significantly during that time period. They also found that the rats' inflammation decreased as well.
Another study looked at the effects of CBD on human cells. The researchers found that CBD could reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines (cell signaling proteins) in human cells. This suggests that CBD may effectively reduce inflammation in people with arthritis.
Takeaways
While more research is needed to confirm these findings, the preliminary evidence suggests that CBD may be able to help relieve issues associated with normal daily exercise and activity. Thus it may be possibly beneficial for those who have arthritis. If you're considering trying CBD for your arthritis pain, it's essential to talk to your doctor first. They can help you decide if it's right for you and monitor your progress.
At New Season Wellness, we proudly offer a wide range of US-grown hemp-derived products from high-quality brands that you can trust. We have something for everyone, from CBD oil and tinctures to topicals and edibles.
Our products are third-party tested to ensure purity and potency, and we only work with brands that use sustainable farming practices. Whether you're seeking relief from issues associated with normal daily exercise and activity or want to try a new way to add to your wellness routine, New Season Wellness has the perfect CBD product.
Source:
NCBI: Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-Related Behaviours in a Rat Model of Arthritis
OARSI Journal: Synthetic Transdermal Cannabidiol for the Treatment of Knee Pain Due to Osteoarthritis
NCBI: The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies
NCBI: Cannabis and Cannabis-Related Medicines
Frontiers in Neuroscience: A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain