Oct 22TH, 2024
Does CBD Oil Help Arthritis? Benefits, Research, and How to Use It
How Arthritis Affects Us?
One in four adults in the United States, or approximately 58.5 million people, have been diagnosed with arthritis [CDC, 2021]. Arthritis increases significantly with age, as only around 3.6% of adults aged 18-34 have arthritis, and rises to 53.9% for those 75 and older. Women are more likely to be affected, with 21.5% having arthritis compared to 16.1% of men [CDC, 2024]. Over 350 million people worldwide are affected by this condition [Global RA Network, 2024]. In fact, osteoarthritis, the most common form, affects more than 22% of adults over 40 globally [NIH, 2020]. While the prevalence is increase by about 1% annually for Rheumatoid [Global Data, 2020], and psoriatic arthritis affects up to 3% of the global population [National Psoriasis Foundation].
Arthritis is a pervasive health issue affecting millions worldwide, with significant variations across demographics. As the population ages, the prevalence is expected to rise, highlighting the need for continued research, prevention strategies, and effective treatments.
Arthritis is a condition characterized by inflammation, leading to painful and sometimes debilitating discomfort. Recent advancements in pain relief have explored the potential of cannabinoids. While arthritis pain isn't typically managed with medication, early research suggests that CBD may help ease both pain and anxiety associated with the disease. Learn more about the effectiveness of CBD oil in managing arthritis pain and symptoms throughout this article.
Understanding Arthritis
Types of Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, characterized by the breakdown of joint cartilage and underlying bone, typically affecting hands, knees, hips, and spine, with prevalence increasing with age.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder affecting approximately 1% of the global population, causing symmetrical joint pain and swelling, and potentially impacting other body systems beyond the joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory arthritis affecting up to 30% of people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and potentially impacting fingernails and toenails.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in joints, often affecting the big toe, characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling.
Symptoms and Impact on Quality of Life
- Pain: Persistent joint pain, both at rest and during movement, often accompanied by tenderness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joints.
- Inflammation: Swelling, redness, and warmth in joints, typically occurring symmetrically on both sides of the body.
- Reduced mobility: Stiffness in joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, often lasting more than an hour and interfering with daily activities.
- Emotional and psychological impact: Fatigue, depression, and anxiety often accompany the physical symptoms, affecting overall quality of life
- Additional symptoms include: Fever and general malaise, loss of appetite and weight loss, dry eyes due to inflammation, chest pain from inflammation, rheumatoid nodules (fleshy lumps under the skin near affected joints), anemia (low red blood cell count), lung and heart inflammation, increased risk of osteoporosis and certain cancers, skin, eye, and blood vessel problems.
What is CBD Oil and How Does It Work?
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis after THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you high.
CBD has shown promise in humans and animals as a treatment for various ailments, notably anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, sleep disorders and cancer.
Unlike cannabis and THC, CBD doesn’t impair coordination, judgment, or memory. In a Critical Review Report published in 2018, the World Health Organization concluded that “no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use.
Learn more about Honesy Oils here.
Legal Status and Regulations
Are CBD oils legal?
Yes, CBD oils are legal in Europe; however, it is important to note that every country has different regulations on the amount of THC that is legal. Honesy products are THC free.
Explore our wholesale information, here you can find information if CBD is legal in your country and what THC % is allowed.
When buying CBD products, it is important to buy products from reputable sources. When purchasing CBD oils we recommend to research the brand, speak with experts, look for recommendations, and most importantly read the ingredients and suggested usage. It is important to read the ingredients in order to find out if the products contain THC, or any other unwanted ingredients.
How CBD Oil May Help Arthritis Pain and Symptoms
Scientific Mechanism
What is the Endocannabinoid System?
The endocannabinoid system is a biological system within humans that is composed of neurotransmitters called endocannabinoids that bind cannabinoid receptors, and the cannabinoid receptor system is made of proteins that span throughout the vertebrate central nervous system and peripheral nervous system.
Cannabinoid receptors in our bodies are composed of CB1 and CB2 receptors:
CB1 receptors act as a guiding mechanism for most other neurotransmitters. By immediate feedback, they regulate the activity of different systems, for example, by managing hunger. To stimulate various receptors, an organism produces endocannabinoids similar to cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis plants.
CB2 receptors mostly habitat within our immune system, which is critical for vertebrate immune functioning. Thus, it is clearly linked to managing pain and inflammation. CB2 receptors, while stimulated, do not produce the cannabis “high” effect - they are the primary focus of research in drug intake, management, and development.
Learn more in our Cannabinoids Guide.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties & Pain Relief Mechanisms
- Anti-inflammatory effects: CBD has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies, which could help reduce inflammation in arthritic joints.
- Pain reduction: CBD has shown antinociceptive (pain-blocking) effects, which may help alleviate arthritis pain.
- Targeting the endocannabinoid system (ECS): CBD interacts with the ECS, which is present in synovial joints and can regulate inflammation and pain sensation
- Activation of TRPA1 receptors: CBD activates transient receptor potential ankyrin (TRPA1) channels, which may contribute to its effects on pain and inflammation.
- Mitochondrial effects: CBD appears to affect mitochondrial function, potentially opening the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, which could influence cell viability and inflammatory responses.
- Reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators: Studies have shown that CBD can reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes (such as IL-6, IL-8, and MMP-3) by rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASF).
- Preferential targeting of activated cells: CBD seems to have a more pronounced effect on pro-inflammatory RASF, especially under inflammatory conditions.
Honesy Products for Arthritis Pain Management
Honesy Gentle Ease Oil is crafted with CBD, CBG, terpenes, and natural extracts that reduce inflammation and therefore offer effective pain reduction. This formulation provides a natural alternative to over-the-counter pills for managing discomfort.
Current Research and Studies
- In an exploratory cross-sectional study, 60.5% of participants reported reduction or discontinuation of other medications after CBD, use 44% reduction in pain reported after CBD use, however osteoarthritis patients showed greater improvements compared to rheumatoid patients [NIH, 2022].
- In a randomized controlled trial on thumb basal joint arthritis where patients used topical CBD, they saw significant improvements in pain and disability compared to control (shea butter alone) [NIH, 2022].
- In a canine randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study that was conducted on dogs with osteoarthritis, results showed significantly decreased pain and increased mobility in a dose-dependent manner [NIH, 2020].
- In several preclinical studies it was seen that CBD reduces inflammation and pain behaviors in animal models with arthritis, resulting to conclusions that CBD targets the endocannabinoid system (ECS) within arthritic joints., and that CBD may confer mediation to arthritic and inflammatory joint disease [BMW, 2022].
These studies suggest potential benefits of CBD for arthritis, particularly in pain reduction and improved function. However, results vary across studies, and more research is needed to establish optimal dosing, administration methods, and long-term efficacy and safety.
Benefits of Using CBD Products for Arthritis
Pain Management
Many patients report significant pain reduction with CBD use. In one study, 83% of participants reported improvements in pain. [PMC, 2022].
A randomized controlled trial on thumb basal joint arthritis showed significant improvements in pain scores with topical CBD treatment compared to placebo. However, another study on hand osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis found no significant difference between CBD and placebo for pain intensity. [PubMed, 2022].
Reduction in Inflammation
CBD, derived from cannabis plants, interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, offering anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Preclinical studies suggest CBD has anti-inflammatory properties. It may reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts. [Nature, 2020].
Honesy Gentle Ease CBD capsules are crafted with CBD, CBG, terpenes, and natural extracts known for their anti-inflammatory properties, offering effective relieve from arthritis pain or other diseases and injuries. This formulation provides a natural alternative to over-the-counter pills for managing discomfort.
Improved Mobility
When pain is alleviated, mobility often improves, as demonstrated in a 2022 study published on PubMed Central. In this study, 66% of participants reported enhanced physical function after using CBD. [PubMed Central, 2022].
Overall Quality of Life
Mental health benefits: Some studies report improvements in anxiety and depression scores.
Anxiety Relief: Case series published in the National Library of Science found that CBD can help improve anxiety and sleep in a clinical population, with anxiety scores decreasing in 79.2%.
Energy/Focus: CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates physiological processes like focus and attention. By influencing ECS receptors, CBD may modulate neurotransmitter activity and promote a sense of calmness and relaxation that could reduce distractions and improve attention span.
Stress: CBD aids in stress relief by modulating the endocannabinoid system (ECS), interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors to maintain homeostasis and regulate stress responses. It also interacts with serotonin receptors, particularly 5-HT1A, enhancing serotonin signaling to improve mood and reduce anxiety. CBD's potential to lower cortisol levels, protect against neuroinflammation, and exhibit anxiolytic effects contributes further to stress reduction (Sources: Blessing et al., 2015; Campos et al., 2016; Hurd et al., 2019; Linares et al., 2019; Shannon et al., 2019).
Sleep improvement: 66% of participants in one study reported improvements in sleep quality with CBD use.
Case series published in the National Library of Science found that CBD can help improve anxiety and sleep in a clinical population, with anxiety scores decreasing in 79.2% and sleep scores improving in 66.7% of patients within the first month.
Dr. Whitelocke states in Forbes Health that CBD can "suppress the dysregulated cycle of stress hormone overactivation and equalize the sleep and wake rhythm by counteracting these hormones."
Potential Side Effects of CBD products
Common Side Effects
In the current research there are many benefits for using CBD products both for your wellbeing and physical activity. The side effects of CBD are generally mild and may include dry mouth and fatigue if used as recommended or instructed by a healthcare professional. Additionally, CBD can interact with certain medications, so it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
How to Use CBD Products for Arthritis Symptoms
Usage, Quality and Dosage
Types of CBD Products for Arthritis Pain
The 3 most common types of CBD products for pain relief, in particular to relieve arthritis pain, is CBD Oil, CBD capsules, and CBD topicals.
Honesy Gentle Ease Softgels (CBG and CBD capsules)
The daily serving size (3 capsules) contains 100 mg cannabidiol (CBD) and 50 mg cannabigerol (CBG). These capsules are a great product to have with you on the go, weather you are commuting for work or travelling.
Taking CBD capsules for arthritis symptoms can alleviate inflammations, joint pain, swelling, fatigue, stiffness, and more.
Honesy Gentle Ease Oil (CBG and CBD Oil)
The recommended daily serving size (1 ml) contains 100 mg cannabidiol (CBD) and 50 mg cannabigerol (CBG). This oil is a great product for you if you are looking for something more personalized and finding the right serving size for you, especially if you need stronger dosages.
Taking CBD oil for arthritis can help relieve inflammation, joint pain, swelling, fatigue, stiffness, and other discomforts.
We highly recommend trying our Gentle Touch Body Cream. It’s perfect for applying to specific areas where you’re seeking pain relief or targeting inflammation, offering soothing care right where you need it most.
It is beneficial to consider some dosage guidelines that can serve as a helpful reference point in determining your ideal intake:
1. Start slow and progress gradually
2. Read product labels
3. Fine-tune your dosage
4. Engage with your healthcare professional.
We recommend reading our article on dosages for each for of products, here.
Lastly, when purchasing CBD products we recommend to research the brand, speak with experts, look for recommendations, and most importantly read the ingredients and suggested usage. It is important to read the ingredients in order to find out if the products contain THC, or any other unwanted ingredients. Besides our recommendations in this article, we do recommend discussing the dosage and the best method and forms of CBD for people with arthritis pain with their healthcare provider in order to have the best effect and benefits.
