Rheumatoid arthritis and CBD oil

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the tissues around the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling. The immune system reacts as if it has a threat, for example an infection, and attacks healthy tissue for no reason. Autoimmune diseases are difficult to treat and their cause is difficult to identify.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, because osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear on the joints rather than an attack on the immune system. When comparing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there are other ways to tell them apart. Osteoarthritis may affect only one or two joints, while rheumatoid arthritis may affect several. In addition, osteoarthritis usually occurs in old age because the joints of older people have been put on more strain and wear, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can show up at a much younger age.

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis are varied and affect many areas of the body:

• joint pain and stiffness
• swelling and warmth around the joints
• feeling weak
• dry, itchy eyes
• dryness of the mouth
• fatigue
• chest pain
• hard lumps or nodules under the skin

As rheumatoid arthritis progresses, the lining of the joints becomes inflamed and swollen. This makes the movements painful and difficult. Joints eventually twist and deform, and may merge. Left untreated, this type of arthritis damages joints and can affect major organs. Fortunately, although rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Although there is no cure, early treatment can allow the disease to go into remission.

Traditional treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include drugs, by mouth or by injection, that reduce inflammation in the joints and help stop the progression of the disease or put it into remission. As with any medication, there are often side effects.

In addition to medications intended specifically to treat arthritis, pain medication is often needed. Pain relievers like ibuprofen are also anti-inflammatory drugs and are therefore often preferred over paracetamol. However, over time these drugs can affect the lining of the stomach and should therefore be used with caution.

Steroids are often prescribed for short term use and are very effective in reducing pain and stiffness. Then again, they come with side effects such as thinning of the skin, weight gain, and muscle weakness.

Supportive treatments such as physical and occupational therapy can be helpful for some people with rheumatoid arthritis. Lifestyle changes are also helpful in alleviating symptoms, such as eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods and doing proper exercise such as walking. Supplements such as fish oils and CBD oil are also beneficial in supporting overall health, as well as helping to relieve some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

CBD oil for rheumatoid arthritis

CBD is a cannabinoid found in hemp plants. Although hemp is a variety of cannabis, it does not produce the same mind-altering effects as marijuana, another plant in the cannabis family. Indeed, hemp contains very little THC, the cannabinoid that produces the high effect. On the contrary, hemp is rich in CBD, as well as other beneficial cannabinoids, and its popularity continues to grow as a treatment for various health problems.

Research on CBD oil and rheumatoid arthritis is still in its early stages, but so far it has been shown to be beneficial in relieving symptoms. This study1 suggests its effectiveness in helping people with pain that is difficult to manage, such as the chronic pain of rheumatoid arthritis. Its potent anti-inflammatory qualities also reduce inflammation in the joints, which helps keep pain at a manageable level and may reduce the need for pain medication.

There is also a lot of anecdotal evidence for the effectiveness of CBD oil for arthritis pain. The Arthritis Foundation website2 surveyed more than 2 people with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. The most significant results of this survey are as follows:

• The main reason for using CBD is for pain relief (94%).
• 67% report an improvement in their physical function.
• Over 30% say it relieves morning stiffness and helps them move.
• Three quarters of them report an improvement in their ability to sleep (71%).
• Over 30% say it has helped relieve symptoms of fatigue.
• 41% report a better overall sense of well-being from using CBD.
• 77% of people who currently use CBD say it relieves symptoms of anxiety.
• 67% report effectiveness in improving depressed mood.

In order to maximize the therapeutic results of CBD oil, getting the right dosage of CBD for rheumatoid arthritis is essential. There is no fixed dosage that works for everyone, and factors such as height, weight, and age should be taken into account. We've made it easy to find the best CBD dosage with our CBD Oil Dosage Calculator. You just need to add a few details to get a personalized CBD dosage recommendation displayed on your screen. We also send it to your preferred email address.

After being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, it may seem like the fight against the disease is tough. However, with medical and natural treatments, people can lead full and active lives for longer. The more research examines CBD, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions, the more treatments will be developed to help keep the disease in remission.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the joints. Some organs can also be affected. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints. As the disease progresses, the joints and muscles become stiff. The joints become deformed and, without proper treatment, they can fuse together. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but treatment can help the disease go into remission.

What are the treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?

The usual treatment for rheumatoid arthritis includes pain medications, steroids, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Physiotherapy is also useful, as is physical exercise, in order to maintain the flexibility of muscles and joints. Some foods have anti-inflammatory properties, so eating a “rheumatoid arthritis diet” high in these foods may be beneficial. CBD oil has also been shown to help relieve certain symptoms.

How Does CBD Oil Help Relieve Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

CBD oil is effective in relieving pain and is also a a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps promote general health benefits, including promoting restful sleep and managing anxiety and depression. Many people who take CBD oil for all forms of arthritis report a positive effect and overall health and wellness benefits.

How Much CBD is Beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Everyone is different, so there is no one dosage that works for everyone. Some people need a higher dose of CBD to manage their symptoms, while others will find a lower dose effective.
sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
http://blog.arthritis.org/news/patients-tell-us-cbd-use/