You might be surprised to learn that America’s number one cause of disability isn’t a vision or hearing impairment – it’s arthritis.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are over 100 variations of the condition affecting over 60 million U.S. adults. Even more surprisingly, arthritis affects an estimated 300,000 children, meaning a percentage of people deal with this disability throughout their entire lives.
Arthritis can trigger a wide range of life-impacting symptoms, from chronic pain to intense stiffness and reduced mobility. Although there is no cure, there are treatment options and ways to manage the symptoms.
For some, this includes the use of CBD for arthritis pain.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is an increasingly popular natural supplement for many chronic issues, including inflammatory issues such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In a recent survey of arthritis patients, roughly 79% reported using CBD. An estimated 29% specifically stated they use it to manage their arthritis symptoms.
The question is, does it actually work? Let’s explore what you need to know about using CBD for arthritis to alleviate discomfort – especially in seniors.
Then, if you feel it’s right for you, we’ll connect you with Just a Little Herb’s premium CBD products for inflammation and joint pain.
Understanding Arthritis and Its Impact on Older Adults
Arthritis is a broad term referring to inflammation of the joints. The affected areas become red and swollen, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. This is usually a chronic condition, meaning that it causes ongoing discomfort and is not curable.
There are several types of arthritis, including…
- Osteoarthritis (the most prevalent form)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Reactive arthritis
Arthritis tends to become more prevalent with age, as older adults are more susceptible to its effects. According to the CDC, approximately 49.6% of adults aged 65 and older reported being diagnosed with arthritis, marking it as a significant health concern for this population.
Arthritis symptoms can manifest in different ways in different individuals. Most commonly, people report experiencing…
- Joint pain ranging in intensity
- Stiffness in the affected areas
- Reduced range of motion
- Swelling and inflammation around the joints
- Ongoing fatigue and weakness
Arthritis and its associated symptoms can have a dramatic impact on an individual's ability to carry out daily tasks, work, and enjoy their lives. According to another survey by the Arthritis Foundation, up to 75% of patients struggle with their arthritis on a daily basis – and only about 30% feel their pain is completely controlled.
Generally, managing the condition requires a fairly comprehensive approach that includes the use of…
- Medications (pain-relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories)
- Joint immobilization through sprints or braces
- Targeted massages
- Acupuncture therapy
- Physical therapy
In some cases, long-term treatments such as prescription drugs, surgery, and/or rehabilitation may be required.
Is CBD Good for Arthritis? Exploring Its Potential Benefits
Cannabidiol is a naturally occurring compound found in hemp plants. Unlike its counterpart tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not have psychoactive properties. Therefore, CBD does not produce a "high" or create an intoxicating effect when consumed.
As a result, CBD is an appealing option for those seeking potential therapeutic benefits without mind-altering effects. In the last decade, cannabidiol has gained monumental attention for its potential health benefits, including its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.
Ongoing research indicates that CBD may serve as a natural aid for managing arthritis pain, largely due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation plays a significant role in the development and progression of arthritis, contributing to pain, swelling, and joint damage.
A 2016 study published in The European Journal of Pain found that CBD applied topically reduced joint swelling and inflammatory pain in a rat model of arthritis. Just recently, a 2022 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that up to 83% of its surveyed arthritis patients reported improvements in their pain levels.
Researchers believe that CBD interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, specifically targeting the CB2 receptors found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. By activating these receptors, CBD oil for arthritis pain relief may potentially help regulate inflammatory responses and reduce discomfort associated with the condition.
While preliminary research is encouraging, further studies are still required to fully understand the use of CBD oils for arthritis, as well as its optimal dosages and long-term effects.
If you are looking for more natural ways to manage your pain, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach. They’ll advise you on the safe CBD dosage for arthritis relief and ensure that it won’t interfere with any other medications you are taking.
CBD for Elderly Users: Considerations and Safety
Think that CBD is a young person’s product? Think again.
Just recently, Forbes Health surveyed over 2,000 American adults about their CBD use. Interestingly, less than a third of 18- to 25-year-olds reported using CBD – but almost 90% of participants 77 and older said they did!
There are numerous potential CBD benefits for seniors, including…
- Relief from chronic pain
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced muscle spasms
- Minimized anxiety and stress
According to a survey from Remedy Review, at least 9% of the surveyed seniors used CBD for health-related purposes. Many even reported a “dramatic improvement” in their quality of life after trying CBD products, and 89% of those surveyed said they would recommend CBD for health-related purposes to a family member or friend.
Regardless of their reason for turning to CBD, there are some things these users need to keep in mind, such as…
- Any underlying health conditions
- Potential medication interactions
- Safe dosages and tolerance testing
- Individually experienced side effects
Before beginning to use CBD oil for arthritis or any other condition, it’s best for seniors to consult with a healthcare provider. This will help them understand what kind of CBD use is appropriate for their situation and how to start using it safely.
Additionally, new users need to consider the quality and sourcing of their products. Because the CBD industry is fairly unregulated, it’s up to the buyer to choose high-quality products from reputable manufacturers – like Just a Little Herb.
Tips for Choosing and Using CBD Products for Arthritis Pain
Find the Right CBD Product Type
If you think that CBD might be helpful in managing the symptoms of your arthritis, start by consulting with your healthcare provider. They’ll help you understand your dosage options, as well as what type of CBD product to try.
CBD products come in a variety of forms, from creams to oral softgels. Choosing the best delivery method is largely dependent on your preference, but some forms do work better for arthritis pain than others.
Many prefer to use CBD creams for arthritis that can be applied directly to affected joints. This can offer localized relief, quickly and easily. On the other hand, some users prefer to ingest CBD as a softgel or gummy whenever symptoms flair up. The CBD then enters the bloodstream, offering full-body effects.
Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle when selecting CBD products. You might find that you prefer the convenience and discreetness of oral products, or you might enjoy the hands-on application of CBD topicals for arthritis. The choice is yours!
Find the Right CBD Product Provider
Regardless of what form your CBD comes in, make sure it’s legitimate. You want to shop with sellers who offer third-party lab testing on all of their CBD products, verifying that the cannabidiol is pure, potent, and free of any potentially harmful contaminants.
Quality matters, especially when it comes to CBD you can trust.
At Just a Little Herb, we’ve spent years specifically designing products for joint and muscle support. From our premium CBD softgels to our cooling CBD cream for arthritis pain, all of these products were created with users’ safety and satisfaction in mind.
If you’re interested in all-natural, effective pain relief, take a look today. We’re here to help you find organic ways to manage your symptoms on a daily basis.
Are You Ready to Try CBD for Arthritis?
When properly administered and sourced from a trusted provider, CBD may offer a new avenue for relief from arthritis pain. More research is needed to fully understand how CBD interacts with the conditions, but overall, it seems that cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory properties may help improve the quality of life for many arthritis users.
Don’t resign yourself to a life plagued by stiffness and discomfort. If you’re looking for natural ways to manage your arthritis pain, talk to your doctor about using CBD today.
At Just a Little Herb, we’re committed to helping people feel their best – and that includes offering muscle and joint pain relief. Our CBD products are carefully crafted to help users soothe discomfort with minimal or no side effects.
Know that our roots lie in medicinal research and practice. Just a Little Herb was founded by a reputable Physician Assistant with a Master’s in Clinical Herbal Medicine. We’re not just in this industry for the CBD “hype.” We believe in our products – and we think you will, too.
To learn more, browse our full range of CBD products today. You can also reach out to our team with any questions you may have about using CBD for arthritis in seniors.