CBD and Osteoarthritis: An Innovative Approach to Joint Relief

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition that has a significant impact on the quality of life of those affected. It is characterized by persistent and incapacitating pain, as well as limitations to everyday movement. The disease results from progressive degradation of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in a joint. Cartilage plays an essential role in facilitating the smooth, frictionless movement of bones.

When this cartilage wears away, the bones come into direct contact, causing pain during movement. This degenerative process can also affect other joint structures, such as bone and synovial tissue, and is unfortunately irreversible.

The pain associated with osteoarthritis can range from chronic, moderate discomfort to acute pain caused by temporary inflammation of the joint. Interest in CBD as an option for relieving these symptoms stems from its potential ability to soothe both pain and inflammation.

Causes of osteoarthritis

Although age is a major risk factor, other causes can also contribute to its development:

• Excessive pressure on joints: caused by excess weight or intense physical activity over a long period.
• Pre-existing joint diseases: such as osteonecrosis, rheumatoid arthritis or chondrocalcinosis.
• Genetic and anatomical factors: including predisposing heredity, natural cartilage fragility or anatomical anomalies.
• Previous trauma: after-effects of injuries or fractures to bones and joints.

Is CBD effective against osteoarthritis?

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, CBD is often cited as a promising option for relieving symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. Cannabidiol-based products, such as CBD oil, could help soothe inflammation and alleviate joint or inflammatory pain. This dual action makes them a potential ally for osteoarthritis sufferers.

CBD's action on osteoarthritis

Scientific research is revealing some fascinating insights into the potential role of CBD in the management of osteoarthritis pain. One of the key points concerns the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in regulating rheumatic pain. This system comprises cannabinoid receptors located in the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system and immune cells. A study published in 2014 confirms that these receptors are a promising therapeutic target for rheumatic pain.

Cannabidiol (CBD) acts at different levels: it can directly target the joints affected by osteoarthritis, while also influencing the central nervous system. This dual action explains its analgesic potential and its ability to relieve the joint pain associated with this pathology.

What studies reveal about the link between CBD and osteoarthritis

Several scientific studies have explored the potential impact of CBD on the symptoms of osteoarthritis and arthritis. A 2016 study demonstrated that CBD could help reduce both inflammation and pain. This rodent trial involved injecting rodents with arthritis before applying a CBD gel to their skin three days after injection. Four days after the start of treatment, the researchers observed a marked reduction in joint swelling and associated pain.

These results suggest that CBD could offer lasting relief from joint pain and inflammation, while being devoid of psychoactive effects. Applied in gel form, it penetrates the body through the skin and could provide a basis for future therapeutic solutions.

In 2017, Professor Philpott, a specialist in rheumatology, extended his study of CBD to rats suffering from osteoarthritis. Using intra-articular injections, he demonstrated that in the advanced phase of the disease (14 days after injection), activation of the endocannabinoid system could effectively reduce pain and inflammation. Local administration of CBD blocked osteoarthritis-related pain while reducing inflammation in the affected joints.