Arthritis is a blanket term referring to chronic inflammation in one or more joints. This inflammation causes pain and stiffness, affecting range of motion, and it can become debilitating with increasing severity.
What Is Arthritis?
There are several different types of arthritis, each stemming from a different cause. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The following list is not exhaustive, but all types of arthritis qualify for medical marijuana in Kentucky.
Osteoarthritis
With osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones that come together to form a joint breaks down. This causes the bones to rub together and break down. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but is most common in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a condition in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining. In some cases, the disease can spread to other systems in the body, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis may cause joint deformity and bone deterioration.
Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis in which uric acid builds up in the joints, causing painful swelling. Symptoms occur most often in the big toe, and they may come on suddenly.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
With ankylosing spondylitis, the vertebrae fuse together, and may cause a hunched posture. This condition may cause difficulty breathing when the ribs are affected.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis occurs when the immune system attacks the body's tissues, and it usually develops long after a person is diagnosed with psoriasis.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
With symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of arthritis among children 16 and under.
What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?
The most common symptoms of arthritis include:
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Pain
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Stiffness
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Swelling
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Redness
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"Hot" joints
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Decreased range of motion
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Reduced ability to perform physical activities
Can Medical Marijuana Help Alleviate Arthritis Pain?
According to a paper presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than one in five patients seeking treatment for musculoskeletal pain used cannabis for their symptoms. Of those who participated in the study, 90 percent reported that cannabis was effective at relieving pain; 57 percent reported it to be more effective than other pain relievers for pain management; and 40 percent said that cannabis use resulted in a decreased use of their other pain medications.
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Another study showed that cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CBD2) are located in the nerves within the joints. CB1 antagonists, like CBD, may reduce neurogenic inflammation. The study also found that joints produce their own endocannabinoids, but they break down quickly. One goal of further research would be to detail the way cannabis may work with the body's endocannabinoid system to help slow the breakdown of endogenously-produced cannabinoids.
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Though research on treating arthritis with medical marijuana is limited, there are plenty of studies showing the effectiveness of cannabis in the management of almost every type of pain. Medical marijuana is a safe and effective anti inflammatory, and many arthritis patients use CBD products to help them manage their pain throughout the day with little to no impairment.
Medical Marijuana May Reduce the Need for Other Types of Pain Medications
One of the most appealing things about medical marijuana among people with arthritis is the potential for a reduction in the use of other types of pain medications. People who use cannabis for arthritis may be able to reduce or completely eliminate opioids, NSAIDs and OTC pain relievers from their arthritis pain management strategy.
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While medical marijuana can come with its own set of side effects, like dry mouth, lethargy, confusion and dizziness, these effects are generally reported as being more manageable than the adverse reactions people have to prescription and over the counter drugs for pain relief.
You Can Use Medical Marijuana for Pain Management With Little to No Impairment
Patients with a Kentucky marijuana card can visit any dispensary in KY and find products that are low in THC and high in CBD, which will help minimize the level of impairment experienced when you take your medicine. In addition to tinctures and edibles that are made for micro dosing cannabis, you can find topicals and transdermal patches that work directly in the targeted painful location, to block pain receptors and reduce inflammation with no intoxicating effects.
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Fortunately, patients with arthritis have plenty of options for ways to treat their arthritis pain, and medical marijuana is one option for Kentucky residents!
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Medical marijuana has proven to be safe and effective at treating pain and inflammation, and it may even help you reduce or eliminate prescription and over-the-counter pain medications like opioids and NSAIDs.
Get a Kentucly Marijuana Card to Get Access to Medical Marijuana for Arthritis Pain Today!
While marijuana is still not a cure for Arthritis, it can help make people with the condition much more comfortable. As with any medication, you should always discuss cannabis with a physician before initial use. If you are interested in using cannabis to help manage your symptoms, schedule an evaluation with a Kentucky Marijuana Card practitioner today!