Are you or someone you know suffering from rheumatoid arthritis? This condition is classified as an autoimmune disease, because it causes the immune system to attack the joints and surrounding tissues. Millions of people have been diagnosed with this form of arthritis and thousands more are expected to develop it in the future. As the primary symptom of this condition, inflammation is responsible for the pain, redness and edema. Most people with this condition rely on prescription medications to help ease these symptoms. However, there are a few who are turning to CBD oil, because they believe it is a safer alternative to anti-inflammatory drugs.
Severity Of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a very serious condition. In fact, it is one of the most severe forms of arthritis. If not treated properly and in some cases that have been treated properly, rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformities. Many people who have suffered from this condition for a long time will often develop deformities in the extremities, especially the fingers, toes, wrists and ankles. These deformities can prevent the individual from performing mundane or basic activities, such as washing dishes, walking, writing and housecleaning.
People who suffer severe deformities must rely on others for just about everything from bathing to housecleaning. Some will utilize assistive devices, such as walkers and canes, to help them ambulate.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
While studies are limited, some medical experts believe that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Not only do medical experts believe this theory, but also CBD oil advocates and some people with rheumatoid arthritis believe it as well. By preventing inflammatory flareups with CBD oil, it is possible for people with this condition to live a normal life. Just a few drops consumed orally will go a long way in reducing the number of inflammatory flareups that an individual can have each month.
Topical Application
The great benefit of CBD oil is its versatility. What this means is that CBD oil can be utilized to treat a broad range of diseases. In addition to this, it can also safely be administered several different ways. As mentioned above, CBD oil can be administered orally. In fact, you can place a few drops on or under the tongue to achieve the same affects. People with arthritis may also achieve the same affects by applying the CBD oil to the skin nearest to the inflamed joint. With that said, the joint does not need to be inflamed to take advantage of CBD oil’s many health benefits. It can be applied at any time to combat future flare-ups.
Analgesic Properties
While the anti-inflammatory properties found in CBD oil play a major role in treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is important to not forget about its wonderful analgesic properties. These properties are capable of fighting against pain, which is a major symptom of rheumatoid arthritis. People with this condition suffer from severe, chronic pain, which may be eased with CBD oil. Consumed orally, CBD oil can possibly reduce this pain to a level that is tolerable, if not completely eliminate it.
The key to controlling chronic pain with CBD oil is properly timed dosages. To keep the pain at bay, it is recommended to utilize CBD oil around the clock. When it comes to the dosage, it is best to seek the advice of a licensed physician. However, in some cases a holistic expert may also be able to provide a dosage recommendation. Do not self-medicate with CBD oil, if you are being treated with prescription anti-inflammatories. Doing so could complicate your condition.
Fewer Side Effects
It is believed that CBD oil has fewer side effects than prescription anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids. The side effects of CBD oil include dry mouth and upset stomach, which are very minor. CBD oil also causes fewer complications than those drugs. So, if you are looking for a safer alternative, you should look no further than CBD oil.
Less Psychoactive Than THC
THC, a derivative of the cannabis plant, is very effective in treating pain and other symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not as popular in the medical community as CBD oil. The reason its popularity is lower than CBD is because of its psychoactive affects. This basically means that THC produces a “high”, whereas CBD oil does not.
Even though CBD is a derivative of hemp and cannabis, it contains little to no THC. In states that have legalized CBD products, only industrial hemp is utilized, which has shown to contain little to no THC. Since CBD oil does not produce a “high”, it is believed that it does not contain any addictive properties, making it a much safer alternative to opioids.
Combine With Other Techniques
There is no doubt that CBD oil can be very beneficial for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, you should understand that CBD oil should not be the final solution. In fact, you should combine it with other techniques and treatments to get the very best results possible. For instance, you should be using CBD oil alongside physiotherapy. This type of therapy utilizes cold, heat and exercise to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. You should also get plenty of rest. Occupational therapy may help. NSAIDs are another option, but they can have severe side effects.
It is also possible to combine CBD oil with corticosteroids and Disease Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs. The combination will help increase your quality of life, while also slowing down the disease’s progress. Either way, it is best to combine CBD oil with other treatment methods to get the best results.
Where To Get It
Finally, you should find out exactly where you can get CBD oil. This will be your first step towards getting the relief that you’re after. The good news is that CBD oil can be purchased from many vendors. If you live in a state with legalized CBD oil, you’ll have no trouble buying the oil. If not, you may need to buy it online. When doing so, you need to take some precautions. Consider the source and always look at 3rd party, independent test results. This will ensure that you get high-quality CBD oil and the desired results.