Arthritis is a common health problem affecting around 10 million people in the UK alone. It is a painful inflammatory condition that affects the joints. While those over 40 are more likely to suffer from arthritis, it can also impact younger people. Women and those with a family history of the condition are also at higher risk.
The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. And the most common treatment for both is to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to address the associated pain. At present, there is no cure for arthritis.
The issue with using NSAIDs for pain is that they are not suitable for long term use. They can cause gastric and renal problems, and the maximum daily dose is often insufficient to address the pain.
This is one reason that individuals are commonly turning to alternative therapies – including CBD balm for arthritis – as a way to manage their discomfort. Let’s explore this condition in more detail and look at how CBD products might offer some relief.
Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact
There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the smooth cartilage lining the joints is worn down by age or overuse. This creates a rough surface which makes movement of the joint more difficult. Over time, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder, which leads to further pain and discomfort.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system is triggered to attack itself, and this can lead to it targeting the cartilage surrounding the joints. This leads to inflammation and swelling which changes the shape of the joint over time, making movement more difficult.
Both types of arthritis can lead to painful swelling and diminished movement in the joint. The joints may become very stiff and normal movement will be more challenging. Over time, this can lead to muscle wasting and weakness. Joints affected usually include those in the hands, knees, hips and spine or lower back.
Pain medication is one of the most common treatments offered for arthritis sufferers, but this approach is unpopular for many reasons. The most common form of pain relief for arthritis is via oral NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These work by blocking an enzyme that is required by the body to make prostaglandins. Reducing prostaglandins helps to reduce fever and inflammation and the associated pain.
The issue with this approach is that it only addresses the symptom and not the underlying cause. The oral consumption of NSAIDs is also notorious for causing gastric problems. After taking pain medication like ibuprofen day after day, you might also find that it isn’t as effective for relieving your pain. When you’ve hit your maximum permitted dosage, you’ll be left with nowhere to go to help relieve your pain.
So, what is the alternative? There are natural therapeutic treatments available such as hot and cold therapy and massage which may help to alleviate the pain associated with arthritis. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive compound extracted from the hemp plant, is also showing promise as a potential treatment option for arthritis sufferers.
The Rise of CBD in Pain Management
In the United States and other countries, medical cannabis is used as an alternative to traditional pain medication. In places where this practice is not yet legal (like here in the UK) we can, instead, turn to CBD products to enjoy the widespread benefits of cannabinoids.
The majority of what we know about CBD comes from our research into cannabis and its effects on the body. However, while THC is thought to have some negative side effects that limit the function of the endocannabinoid system, CBD is thought to support this system.
When we talk about CBD products, we are often talking about oral supplements such as CBD drops or CBD edibles. These supplements are known for their ability to enhance a person’s sense of wellbeing and may be used by those suffering from a wide range of painful conditions.
Oral CBD products enter the bloodstream through the small blood vessels under the tongue and through the digestive system. Once in the body, it is thought that it supports the ECS by blocking the breakdown of endocannabinoids in the body which are essential for this cell messaging system to work effectively.
CBD pain relief gel for arthritis may also be applied topically to the skin to support individuals with various symptoms.
Exploring Natural Pain Relief Options
Those suffering from arthritis will often find that it is a combination of treatments that work most effectively, and this could combine pharmaceutical solutions alongside natural remedies.
CBD is often recommended as an option for arthritis patients thanks to anecdotal evidence that suggests it could help with many of the common issues associated with the condition.
Massage and hot/cold therapy are often recommended alongside pain relief as a way to alleviate the symptoms. Massage helps to keep the joints mobile, while hot and cold therapy can address the inflammation that causes pain.
Adding CBD into the mix is a logical next step. While there is still a lot we don’t know about CBD and how it interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, we do know that the ECS is involved with modulating inflammatory response.
By supporting this system, it is hoped that CBD could provide an alternative treatment path for those suffering from a wide range of conditions.
Topical CBD products are particularly beneficial in instances of arthritis. This is because the cannabinoids found in these products are applied locally, and the compounds do not find their way into the bloodstream.
Instead, they support ECS receptors in the skin, which means that individuals needn’t worry about how much CBD they use per day.
For more on why we promote topical treatment over oral wherever possible, please see our Topical Vs Oral Medications guide to help inform your decision-making process.
Spotlight on HEMPE Hot and Ice Gels
As mentioned above, massage and hot/cold therapy are also highly effective treatments for arthritis. This is why HEMPE Hot and Ice Gels are so effective for supporting arthritis sufferers in achieving a greater sense of wellbeing.
Heat therapy helps to boost blood circulation to the area which can provide some relief from pain. It also helps to increase mobility, which can help individuals to continue with everyday activities and avoid muscle wasting and muscle pain.
Cold therapy helps to reduce inflammation and pain by offering the opposite mechanism to heat therapy. The cold sensation restricts blood flow, which can help to reduce inflammation and therefore pain.
Both products are designed to be massaged into the affected joints, which can offer further benefits. Massage helps to increase blood flow to the area and also relaxes the muscles around the affected joint, which helps to reduce the chances of the joint becoming stiff and immobile.
Below the skin’s surface, the CBD contained in both products interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin. This helps to support the ECS in specific areas, which is very different to oral CBD products which affect the whole body.
It is this combination of massage, hot/cold therapy and CBD that makes this such an effective option for relieving the symptoms of arthritis.
Why Choose HEMPE for Arthritis Pain Relief?
One of the reasons individuals turn to HEMPE CBD products for arthritis pain relief is the versatility of the product. Users can alternate between warming or cooling gels which are easily rubbed into the skin. The smooth gel texture is perfect for longer massage.
When applying any product to the skin – particularly one with natural ingredients – it’s vital that you choose a reputable supplier. You need to pay close attention to the origins of your CBD products, as non-organic certified products could contain heavy metals and pesticides from the growing process, and these can be incredibly irritating to your skin.
You should also request a certificate of analysis before parting with any cash for CBD. This not only helps to confirm that the CBD content is as high as the claim on the bottle, but it also confirms that the THC content is within legal limits. Without this vital protection, you run the risk of choosing ineffective products, or those with the potential to get you high.
Final Thoughts on Arthritic Pain Relief
Topical CBD use for arthritis is still a relatively new approach, but it is worth exploring if you have exhausted all other treatment avenues. Before stopping use of other medications, always consult with your GP or pharmacist, as they may wish to offer personalised advice on how to make this transition.
Provided your CBD skincare products are sourced from a reputable source, they should be very safe and have few side effects. According to the FSA, healthy adults should limit their CBD consumption to 10mg per day.
However, since CBD topicals are not absorbed into the bloodstream, there is no limit on the number of times you can apply CBD hot or cold therapy.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of CBD pain relief products, shop our full collection today.