The efficacy of CBD in treating arthritis is due to one of its best known and widely reported benefits - as an anti-inflammatory (see our article on CBD's Power as an Anti-Inflammatory).
Arthritis is a condition of pain and stiffness caused by inflammation around the joints. By working to restore homeostasis (balance) in the body, CBD helps to modulate and decrease the intensity of this pain and swelling.
Sustained use of CBD can also help relieve pain in joints and ease the swelling in the affected areas by regulating the body’s response to pain signals.
This helps to decrease the pace of damage to the tissue and cartilage in the area and provides greater mobility for sufferers.
A 2016 study found that the topical application of CBD could effectively relieve pain and inflammation associated with arthritis without any evident side-effects. This involved applying CBD gels for 4 consecutive days to test subjects.
The findings were that transdermal CBD gel significantly reduced joint swelling, limb posture scores as a rating of spontaneous pain, immune cell infiltration and pro-inflammatory biomarkers.
Research has also shown that we actually have a skeletal endocannabinoid system in our body that works to regulate bone mass, with cannabinoids working on receptors in the endocannabinoid system to promote the strength, healing and growth of our bones.
This is great news for those suffering from osteoporosis, or anyone who has a broken or fractured bone, as studies show regular intake of CBD results in a significant enhancement of their healing process.