How does CBD act on osteoarthritis pain?

In the face of osteoarthritis, which affects almost 20% of the population in Belgium, CBD is establishing itself as an increasingly popular alternative . This joint disease causes chronic, persistent pain, often poorly relieved by conventional treatments, which can have undesirable side effects.

Many patients are therefore turning to cannabidiol (CBD), a molecule derived from hemp, to ease pain, reduce inflammation and regain a better quality of life.

But how exactly does it work? Which products are best suited to the job, and what doses are best for safe, effective use? 👉 We explain it all in this article!

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative pathology that affects joints by progressively destroying cartilage, the supple tissue that enables bones to slide painlessly against each other. When this cartilage shrinks, the bones rub against each other directly, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes joint locking.

Effects on daily life

• Chronic or acute pain, often accentuated by movement

• Joint stiffness on waking or after a period of inactivity

• Reduced mobility: difficulty climbing stairs, carrying objects, walking

• Fatigue and sleep disorders linked to discomfort

• Psychological impact: frustration, isolation, low morale

Conventional treatments

How does CBD help osteoarthritis?

CBD (cannabidiol) is an interesting natural option for relieving the pain associated with osteoarthritis. This degenerative joint disease causes both inflammation and chronic pain, two targets on which CBD can intervene effectively.

What does the research say about CBD and osteoarthritis?📚

A number of scientific studies have been carried out to assess the impact of CBD (cannabidiol) on the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, CBD is attracting growing interest as a natural solution.

1) Landmark study published in 2016 in the Journal of Pain

A 2016 study published in the Journal of Pain (official journal of the US Association for the Study of Pain), highlighted the positive effects of CBD on the symptoms of osteoarthritis and arthritis.

• Researchers induced a form of arthritis in rodents, then applied a CBD gel to the affected areas.

• 4 hours after application, the first effects were observed: reduced inflammation and nociceptive behavior (reaction to pain).

• After 4 days, the results were significant: reduction in joint swelling and improvement in pain scores according to a validated behavioral scale.

• Note: low doses had no effect on edema, underlining the importance of dosage.

Study conclusion✅

Topical application of CBD in gel form appears to offer long-lasting efficacy in relieving pain and reducing inflammation, without psychoactive side effects . These results encourage the development of CBD-based topical therapies for joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.

2) Professor Philpott's study (2017)

In 2017, American rheumatologist Professor Philpott conducted a study on rats with intra-articular injection-induced osteoarthritis. The aim was to determine whether CBD could not only relieve pain, but also slow the progression of the disease.

Key results of the study

• Significant reduction in joint inflammation observed 14 days after injection.

• Reduced pain thanks to CBD's action on the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain perception.

Limits and perspectives⚠️

• The study was carried out on animal models, which requires further clinical research to confirm the effects in humans.

What products can relieve the pain of osteoarthritis?

For people suffering from osteoarthritis, CBD oils and creams are among the most highly recommended products, providing targeted or global action on joint pain and inflammation.

CBD creams and balms: local relief

The creams are ideal for direct application to painful areas (knees, fingers, hips...). They act on the surface, but can penetrate deep enough to reach inflamed tissues.

Advantages :

• Targeted application

• Anti-inflammatory effect

• Texture often enriched with plants such as arnica, wintergreen or menthol

CBD oils: systemic and long-lasting action

The CBD oils oils have a global action on pain, inflammation and even sleep.

Advantages :

• Adjustable dosage

• Prolonged effect

• Can be combined with a cream for a double effect

How to find the right dosage of CBD for osteoarthritis?

Determining the ideal dosage of CBD to relieve the pain associated with osteoarthritis is not an exact science. Each person reacts differently depending on :

• His build

• Its metabolism

• His CBD sensitivity

• Product form (oil, cream, capsule, etc.)

CBD is not a drug, but a natural supplement that can accompany conventional treatments, provided there are no drug interactions. It is therefore essential to consult a health professional before taking CBD.

General recommendations

• Start with a low concentration

• Increase gradually according to the effects felt

• Observe body reactions for a few days before adjusting

• Choose full spectrum products to benefit from the entourage effect

CBD & osteoarthritis: a natural alternative worth considering?

If you suffer from osteoarthritis and conventional treatments are no longer able to alleviate your pain, CBD-based products may represent an interesting complementary option. In Belgium, they are perfectly legal to market as long as the THC content remains below 0.2%, in accordance with regulations.

Why consider CBD?

• It does not cure osteoarthritis, but can effectively relieve joint and inflammatory pain.

• It is well tolerated, with no psychoactive effects or dependence.

• It can be used as a complement to medical treatment, provided there are no drug interactions.

Don't forget

Before incorporating CBD into your routine, it is strongly strongly recommended that you consult your doctorespecially if you're already undergoing treatment. CBD acts as a natural modulator, but every body reacts differently.

In a nutshell

CBD does not claim to replace conventional therapies, but it can improve your comfort of life by reducing the pain, stiffness and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis. It's a gentle, natural approach, to be tried gradually and safely.