DOES CBD WORK FOR GOUT?

The crystals are formed due to high uric acid levels in the blood. At times the affected person's kidney may be the one producing extremely little uric acid. The endocannabinoid system regulates pain and inflammation. CBD can work with the endocannabinoid system since it is a cannabinoid to ease pain and inflammation caused by gout.

Victims of the pain and inflammation that comes with gout can attest to most gout patients' hardship. Gout is common in most arthritis patients and is caused by the accumulation of uric acid in a patient’s blood, affecting the joints of the toes, knees, and fingers. According to Khaleghi, M. (2020), CBD is a natural way to do away with pain and inflammation caused by gout. Continue reading, and find out more about CBD working for gout patients.

Gout

Gout results from the buildup of urate crystals in one’s joints, leading to intense pain and inflammation. The crystals are formed due to high uric acid levels in the blood. At times the affected person's kidney may be the one producing extremely little uric acid. It ends up in the building up of uric acid forming urate crystals that are needlelike in the joint or even the nearby tissues leading to pain and inflammation. Gout results in sudden swelling, pain attacks, and tenderness in either joint. The joints may become red. Gout often attacks the big toe. A gout attack can be so sudden that one may be woken up by a swollen joint of a toe that is painful and swollen. A study by Perez-Ruiz, et al. (2015), gave a review of the symptoms of gout. However, here are some of the common signs and symptoms of the disease.

Concentrated Pain in the Joint

The big toe is normally affected though gout can affect any joint. This pain is intense within the first few hours of the attack.

Discomfort

This normally takes place after the subsidence of the pain. The discomfort may last for days or even weeks.

Limited motion

Progressively, gout reduces joint movement easily due to the pain and swelling. Some risk factors that lead to an increased uric acid level are age and sex, particular medication, weight (especially when overweight), and diet.

What Research Says About CBD and Gout

CBD, an extract of the Cannabis sativa, is known for its therapeutic properties. It interrelates with the endocannabinoid system in the body to reduce pain and inflammation. CBD doesn’t get you high after ingestion, unlike medical marijuana, because it contains tetrahydrocannabinol. Research by Philpott, et al. (2017), was conducted on rats and discovered that topical CBD gel helped relieve pain due to arthritis in them, unlike the rats receiving treatment. CBD treatment can also reduce nerve damage and lessen pain and inflammation in male rats suffering from osteoarthritis. Although the researches are very much promising, more should be carried out on human beings to ascertain the position of CBD in dealing with gout fully.

Can CBD Help Reduce Pain from Gout?

According to Barrie, & Manolios, (2017), the endocannabinoid system has a role in pain regulation and inflammation. CBD can work with the endocannabinoid system since it is a cannabinoid to ease pain and inflammation caused by gout. No clinical studies examine the efficacy of CBD in treating gout in human beings.

What CBD Dosage is good for Gout Treatment?

When using CBD, start low as you gradually increase the dosage. Monitor the responses and effects from the beginning dose and add until it suits you best. A doctor's advice is key before taking CBD for a certain condition. One may negatively interact with the already prescribed medicine that may worsen your health condition. The factors to consider before going for any dose include; weight, age, and metabolism. Take every step with a healthcare professional.

How Can Gout Patients Take CBD?

Topicals

Include massage oils, creams, and lotions that one applies to the skin. This option is for pain that is localized.

Tinctures

They are taken orally in liquid form using droppers, whereby you can easily adjust the dropper to the dosage of your choice.

Edibles

They are bitter than tinctures, and gummies are common CBD edibles. Capsules and pills can be taken in the morning and the evening.

Effects of CBD on Gout

Anti-inflammation

CBD does away with inflammation by decreasing acute inflammation due to sudden injuries. Anti-inflammation is through the help of the endocannabinoid system. Crystals of uric acid pile up in a joint, and cytokines trigger the immune system, causing the white blood cells to flood the affected area, beginning the healing process. CBD suppresses IL-6 cells hence reducing injuries to tissues. Application of a CBD topical on the inflamed area will control the inflammation.

Pain Relief

Arthritis pain is deemed to be reduced due to the therapeutic effects of CBD. Individuals who experience extreme pain are advised to use CBD oil and little amounts of THC since it is more effective; no negative side effect has been noted while using CBD to treat pain and inflammation in gout. CBD also avoids any extra damage to the nerves due to osteoarthritis

Pros and Cons of CBD oil for Treating Gout

Pros

CBD is not addictive; therefore, patients suffering from gout will worry less about being dependent on CBD. CBD helps treat the symptoms of gout.

Cons

There is no tangible research on CBD treatment of gout in human beings. There’s no typical dosage of CBD when using it to treat gout. CBD products have not been regulated; therefore, they may spread mislabeled products in the online market.

Conclusion

Having discussed CBD and gout treatment broadly in this article, it goes without saying that CBD oil is very helpful in treating gout. Getting the right advice from a professional doctor will save you the agony brought about by the inflammation and pain due to gout. Get a quality CBD oil product, preferably the tinctures and creams that you will apply to the inflamed area, and monitor the progress. Although there are no findings on human beings, the few who have used CBD in gout treatment have no complaints.

References

Barrie, N., & Manolios, N. (2017). The Endocannabinoid System In Pain And Inflammation: Its Relevance To Rheumatic Disease. European Journal Of Rheumatology, 4(3), 210.

Khaleghi, M. (2020). New Arthritis Foundation Guidelines On CBD Use Could Be The First Of Many More To Come. Alternative Therapies In Health And Medicine, 26, 8-11.

Perez-Ruiz, F., Dalbeth, N., & Bardin, T. (2015). A Review Of Uric Acid, Crystal Deposition Disease, And Gout. Advances In Therapy, 32(1), 31-41.

Philpott, H. T., O'Brien, M., & Mcdougall, J. J. (2017). Attenuation Of Early Phase Inflammation By Cannabidiol Prevents Pain And Nerve Damage In Rat Osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), 2442.