Can CBD Topicals Ease Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis pain is a condition that affects millions of people, including adults and children. Treatment options include medications, and we all know about the addiction crisis that some pain pills can cause. The situation has mande many to look for alternative products to alleviate pain. CBD has become a popular product on the wellness market specially in the case of arthritis pain management, it’s available in different forms, including topicals such as cream, balm, lotion and many more. Furthermore, research shows promising outcomes in CBD’s potential to support wellness, but more studies are essential. However, the question remains, Can CBD topicals ease arthritis pain? Below is a guide with the details you should know.

CBD Topicals and Arthritis

CBD is a new product, and there is much more to be learned about the cannabinoid. However, preliminary research and user reports show that cannabinoids may help with various ailments. People are using CBD topicals such as creams and salves to improve arthritis pain. Can the products actually relieve arthritis pain?

CBD topicals may alleviate arthritis pain, but more research is necessary. One study involving a rat model looked into the efficacy of transdermal CBD in lowering inflammation and pain.  The CBD gel was used in 0.6mg, 3.1mg, 6.2mg, and 62.3mg daily doses for four consecutive days. The research discovered that topical CBD relieves arthritis pain and inflammation without causing side effects.

Moreover, some research suggests CBD may have pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the studies involved animals. There are limited studies on CBD and arthritis involving humans. More research is needed about CBD products and arthritis pain. This will provide adequate evidence on whether the cannabinoid can help ease the discomfort.

Do CBD Topicals Help with Arthritis?

CBD topicals may help with arthritis pain. Anecdotal studies show that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits that can improve pain. There are many types of arthritis, and pain and inflammation are common symptoms among them. CBD topicals may alleviate arthritis pain by stimulating endocannabinoid receptors in the skin. 

The endocannabinoid system regulates bodily functions like pain, mood, immunity responses, and appetite to ensure balance. The CBD in CBD cream boosts the functioning of the endocannabinoid system, enabling it to respond to pain better. Cannabinoids like CBD can stimulate or inhibit the production of chemicals in the body and regulate the body’s natural inflammation responses.  

How to Use CBD Topicals for Arthritis

Using CBD cream is easy. First, you need to clean the painful body part and apply a good amount of CBD cream. Then massage the topical on the area to ensure proper absorption. Wait for the pain relief to kick in, which should be around 10 minutes to an hour. 

You can add another layer of CBD cream if needed and continue benefiting from CBD. Ensure you do a patch test of any CBD topical you purchase before using it. This is where you apply a small amount of the product on your skin to establish if your skin might react negatively, such as developing a rash.

CBD topicals come in different potencies. Start with a low potency to determine if it relieves arthritis pain before trying a higher dose.  Besides, ensure you purchase CBD cream that comes with the utmost quality to protect your well-being. There are some important factors in determining whether a CBD cream is worth buying. Premium CBD topicals contain CBD made from organic hemp using a CO2 extraction. They also go through third-party testing to check for cannabinoids and impurities such as heavy metals, pesticides, solvents, and fertilizers. The lab report should be easy to access on a brand’s website. Some companies use QR codes, while others utilize batch numbers to give customers access to test results.

Check the ingredients that a manufacturer uses in addition to CBD. The best topicals contain all-natural, tested, simple components that do not harm your health. Scented CBD topicals contain organic essential oils that give them soothing fragrances.

The Benefits of Using Topical CBD for Arthritis

Using topical CBD for arthritis has its benefits. For starters, CBD topicals provide targeted relief, which enhances CBD’s effectiveness. They alleviate discomfort on the hurting body part only instead of targeting your entire body like other CBD products. CBD cream is also easy to use. All you need is a fingertip-sized amount and rub it on the skin. Some brands pack the formula in roll-on applicators, which keep your fingers off the cream.

CBD topicals contain other components such as cocoa butter and coconut oil that nourish the skin. Many topicals also have a cooling effect that enriches the pain relief you get. Besides, the fragrances provide a soothing, relaxing experience when applying CBD cream or salve. Since the CBD in topicals does not enter your bloodstream, you do not have to worry about false positives on drug tests.

Side Effects of Topical CBD for Arthritis Pain

CBD is a safe product and does not cause the ‘high’ feeling. Most people tolerate the cannabinoid and do not experience any issues when using it. Topical CBD does not cause side effects since it does not enter your blood. Your skin might react to another ingredient, which is why a patch test is essential. However, other CBD products that enter your bloodstream might cause fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, and changes in weight and appetite.

Nevertheless, these effects are rare and mostly occur when you use CBD in high doses. In case you are on prescription drugs, speak to your doctor before using CBD. The cannabinoid interacts with some medications, affecting their efficiency in the body.

Purchasing high-quality, tested CBD topicals are vital. Such products do not harm your skin, fostering your overall well-being. They contain organic, safe components and have been tested to ensure purity.  

Final Thoughts

CBD topicals may alleviate arthritis pain, considering the anecdotal research and user reviews. CBD has anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties. However, as mentioned before more research is needed to observe more on CBD’s ability to ease pain and inflammation. 

Ensure you buy high-quality topicals and start with a low potency. High-quality CBD topicals contain safe components and undergo independent lab testing.