Medical Marijuana for Arthritis

Definition of arthritis

In one or more joints, arthritis causes discomfort and inflammation. In the UK, more than 10 million individuals suffer from arthritis and other common joint issues.

What types of arthritis exist?

There are two predominant forms of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Additionally, you may be acquainted with other variations such as lupus, gout, and psoriatic arthritis, all of which fall under the category of arthritis.

What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?

The main distinction between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis lies in their underlying characteristics. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that affects not only the joints but also the surrounding tissues, whereas osteoarthritis is characterised by the actual degradation of cartilage. Although not always the case, rheumatoid arthritis often develops at a younger age. Osteoarthritis primarily affects larger joints, such as the knees and hips. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis typically affects multiple joints simultaneously, often involving corresponding joints on both sides of the body.

Why does arthritis occur?

Osteoarthritis is the primary cause of arthritis, characterised by structural changes within a joint due to abnormal healing following an injury. Another significant contributor to arthritis is the natural process of aging. Arthritis remains the most prevalent joint issue worldwide, affecting an estimated 9 million individuals in the United Kingdom alone.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition that often impacts the small joints throughout the body in a symmetrical pattern, especially in the hands and feet. However, it can affect any joint in the body and is not limited to a specific location. It is the second-most common type of arthritis. People with this condition typically experience stiffness in the morning, along with pain and swelling. Besides joint involvement, rheumatoid arthritis can also impact internal organs like the heart, lungs, and eyes.

Arthritis can also result from:

  • Spondylitis with ankylosing
  • Cervical disc disease
  • Lupus erythematosus systemic
  • Gout
  • Arthritis psoriatic
  • Inflammatory bowel disease with enteropathic arthritis
  • Inflammatory arthritis

What causes osteoarthritis to develop?

The following are some of the main reasons why osteoarthritis develops:

  • History of injury or surgery to a joint
  • Overuse from repetitive movements of the joint
  • Joints that do not form correctly
  • Family history of osteoarthritis

It is the most prevalent joint condition worldwide.

What triggers an attack of arthritis?

A flare-up of arthritis might result from overusing the affected joints. Other elements, such as stress, sleep deprivation, or noncompliance with your treatment plan, could exist, though. Each person experiences this differently; therefore, it’s important to note any potential triggers so you can pinpoint the source of the issue.

Asymptomatic arthritis

The underlying source of the pain will determine the symptoms connected to arthritis. The discomfort might be intermittent, constant, minor, or severe.

Numerous forms of arthritis are characterised by a decreased range of motion of the afflicted bodily components, which limits function and restricts activities.

Back, hip, and knee discomfort are the three most typical pain sites. However, the exact areas and how they are impacted may point to the arthritis’s underlying aetiology. Therefore, it’s essential to get a diagnosis from a fully qualified healthcare expert as soon as is practical.

Arthritis typically has a significant impact on a person’s emotional, social, and economic health in addition to being a medical problem.

What are arthritis’s primary symptoms?

Indicators of arthritis include:

  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Redness around the joints and inflamed joints
  • Confined movement
  • Loss of muscle and weakness

What rheumatoid arthritis signs and symptoms are there?

It’s important to keep in mind that there are a variety of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, and some of them will help doctors identify the type of arthritis you have. The primary signs include:

  • Joint discomfort and swelling that is frequently symmetrical and warm to the touch
  • Spreading to other joints from the pain in the fingers and toes
  • Reddish and swollen joints
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet

The following list of signs and symptoms pertains to people with rheumatoid arthritis:

  • Sleep disruption and exhaustion
  • Changes in mood and depression
  • Loss of weight
  • Mouths and eyes are dry.

What indications are there for osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis’ primary signs and symptoms are:

  • Bruised joints with little range of motion
  • Joint stiffness and soreness while moving
  • A grating or cracking sound or feeling
  • Muscular mass loss
  • Enlarged joints

Condition of Arthritis

Chronic arthritic conditions are frequently treated holistically. Physical therapy, home and workplace modifications, and psychological therapies are important elements of patient treatment. It’s also important to continue exercising for as long as you can.

Simple painkillers are frequently the initial line of therapy for arthritis, with stronger opioids being combined with them in cases of extreme pain. Specialist drugs that control the immune system may be begun for those with inflammatory arthritis.

In cases of severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, surgery may be beneficial.

When first-line medications have failed to provide effective symptom management for chronic pain, medicinal cannabis might be taken into consideration. There isn’t enough evidence to conclusively prove that medicinal marijuana treatments may delay the progression of disease.

In what ways is arthritis diagnosed?

A detailed history and examination are often used to diagnose arthritis in order to determine the kind, degree, functional effect, and setting of the pain.

When determining if the arthritis is a component of a systemic inflammatory disorder, blood testing is frequently required.

Depending on the symptoms mentioned by the patient, some people may benefit from X-rays, ultrasonic scans, or MRI scans of the problematic regions.

Depending on the underlying cause of the arthritis, a specialist could advise further tests, such as joint aspiration.

Treatment for arthritis

Although arthritis cannot be cured, it can be treated in a variety of ways. Chronic arthritic conditions are frequently treated holistically. As stated previously, some of the most important components of patient treatment include:

  • Physical therapy
  • Medically prescribed marijuana and cannabis
  • Alterations to the workplace and home environment
  • And psychological therapies.

We also highly recommend that you keep up with your exercise for as long as you can.

Medical therapy is dependent on that cause since addressing the underlying cause of arthritis is a crucial component of treatment.

Arthritis pain alleviation

Your treatment strategy must include strategies for reducing the discomfort that arthritis produces. Simple painkillers are frequently the initial line of therapy for arthritis, with stronger opioids or marijuana being combined with them in cases of extreme pain. Specialist drugs that control the immune system may be begun for those with inflammatory arthritis.

In cases of severe osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, surgery may be beneficial.

When first-line treatments are ineffective in controlling the pain from arthritis, medical cannabis may be an option. The possibility that medical cannabis may slow the course of illness is not supported by enough research.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory condition; thus, its therapy may be different from that for other types of arthritis. The most frequent first line of therapy is a course of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They may occasionally be taken in addition to steroids to aid with pain management and slow the course of the illness.

Of course, there are holistic methods, such as those mentioned above (such as painkillers or medical cannabis), that may be used to control the discomfort associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Make an appointment

We can help if you are a patient or caretaker looking for an appointment to talk about medicinal cannabis.

Patients who satisfy the requirements can give us their medical records directly, or we can acquire them through your GP. This is to verify that the patient’s condition has been thoroughly evaluated and that all alternative treatment options have been investigated. To maintain the highest degree of clinical control, we will guarantee that all treatment messages are transmitted to the GP.

We also accept referrals from other medical experts.

Cannabis for medical use and Arthritis

There hasn’t been much research done on how medical cannabis affects arthritic pain. On the other hand, more people are looking into medicinal cannabis now that it was legalised for medical use in 2018. In cases where standard treatments have not been able to alleviate symptoms, medicinal marijuana or cannabis therapy could be a viable choice for treating arthritis.

Quick, private cannabis prescription and assessment process

At MARUCANNA, we simplify the private cannabis consultation process. Start with a free eligibility check, fill out a brief questionnaire, and get an instant decision. A virtual consultation with a doctor completes the process.

Frequently asked questions about arthritis

Is it safe to exercise if you have arthritis?

People suffering from arthritis should continue to exercise as much as possible. Regular exercise is critical for strengthening the muscles that protect and support the joints. Keeping active has even been shown to help lessen arthritis pain and enhance function.

It is natural to feel a bit painful or uncomfortable after exercising, especially if you haven’t done it in a while, but it is vital to remember that this does not indicate you are hurting your joints.

Excessive exercise does not promote osteoarthritis, and hard labour does not harm the joints. People who have experienced a sporting injury are more likely to acquire osteoarthritis in that joint, although even intense athletes are not more likely to get osteoarthritis.

Is there anything you can do to keep arthritis at bay?

Some kinds of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are inherited, but joint damage, such as a sports accident or fractured bone, might raise the chance of osteoarthritis later in life. There is nothing you can do to avoid developing arthritis. However, lifestyle decisions may be quite beneficial. Smoking raises the incidence of rheumatoid arthritis and can reduce the effectiveness of arthritis medications. Obesity raises the risk of osteoarthritis substantially. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause gout episodes.

Many individuals are concerned that strenuous labour or exercise can develop arthritis, but studies have shown that this is not the case. Exercise does not harm the joints and is one of the most essential things you can do to relieve arthritis pain and stiffness.

Is it possible for youngsters to get arthritis?

Yes, arthritis may affect youngsters. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), commonly known as childhood arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most frequent kind of arthritis in children.

Among the signs and symptoms of childhood arthritis are:

  • Joint discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Fever
  • Rash from stiffness
  • Tiredness (fatigue)
  • Appetite loss
  • Ocular inflammation
  • Difficulties with daily tasks including walking, dressing, and playing.

Childhood arthritis damages the damaged joint or joints permanently. Early detection and treatment are critical for preventing or minimising lasting harm. Although there is no treatment for paediatric arthritis, some children attain lasting remission, which means the illness is no longer active.

Does arthritis hurt all the time?

Arthritis pain can vary greatly from person to person and even within the same individual over time. While some people with arthritis may experience constant or near-constant pain, others may have periods of pain alternating with periods of less discomfort.

Factors such as the type of arthritis, its severity, individual pain tolerance, activity levels, and the effectiveness of treatment can all influence the experience of pain. Additionally, weather changes, stress, and fatigue can also impact arthritis pain levels.

It’s essential for individuals with arthritis to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalised treatment plan that effectively manages pain and maximises quality of life.

Does cannabis help with arthritis?

Yes, cannabis can help with arthritis by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. Compounds like THC and CBD, found in cannabis, have anti-inflammatory properties that may alleviate the symptoms associated with arthritis.

Is cannabis good for arthritis?

Cannabis may be beneficial for some people with arthritis, particularly in managing pain and improving quality of life. However, its effectiveness can vary depending on the individual, and more research is needed to fully understand its long-term effects and safety.

Can cannabis help rheumatoid arthritis?

Cannabis has the potential to help with rheumatoid arthritis by reducing inflammation and pain. CBD, in particular, may have anti-inflammatory properties that could benefit people with autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, although clinical evidence is still limited.

What is the best cannabis for arthritis pain?

There isn’t a definitive answer to what the best cannabis for arthritis pain is, as it varies between individuals. However, strains or products high in CBD and with a balanced THC content are often recommended, as CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effects without the psychoactive “high” of THC. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential for tailored advice.

Can CBD Gummies Help with Arthritis Pain?

Yes, CBD gummies can be helpful for arthritis pain. They offer a convenient and tasty way to consume CBD while providing the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving benefits associated with the compound. However, gummies take longer to take effect, usually 30 minutes to 2 hours, because they must be digested first. For those seeking long-lasting relief or a convenient daily dose, gummies can be an excellent option. However, if you need faster relief, consider using oils or tinctures, which act more quickly. Regardless of the form, maintaining a consistent routine is key to managing arthritis symptoms effectively with CBD.

What Strength of CBD is Best for Arthritis?

The optimal CBD strength for arthritis can vary based on factors such as the severity of symptoms, individual body chemistry, and the specific type of arthritis. Generally, starting with a low dose of 10-20 mg per day is recommended, gradually increasing the dosage based on how your body responds. Many people find that doses between 20 and 50 mg are effective for managing arthritis pain. Some may even require higher doses, but it’s important to start low and adjust as needed. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine the most effective strength for your specific condition.