Cannabis therapy for osteoarthritis

Symptoms, diagnosis and causes

Osteoarthritis is characterised by painful and stiff joints. It usually develops over a long period of time.

In the case of advanced osteoarthritis, the symptoms can also occur at rest. This can be extremely stressful and subsequently cause sleep disorders. Mild and severe pain often alternate. In some people, osteoarthritis occurs in episodes. The pain intensifies quickly and feels intense, pulsating or burning during these severe episodes. The joint can enlarge, stiffen and become hot for a short time. Other typical symptoms include joint effusion, increasing deformation of the joint and joint noises due to increasing unevenness of the cartilage surface.

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear and a reduction in cartilage tissue. This can be due to a variety of factors, including age-related changes, injury, misalignment or obesity. In severe osteoarthritis, the cartilage in some areas of the joint may be completely worn away, exposing the bone.

The symptoms of osteoarthritis and a joint examination are usually sufficient to recognise it. The doctor will ask about the symptoms and palpate the joint to make a diagnosis. An X-ray examination or other imaging procedures can be carried out to confirm the diagnosis.

Therapy

Osteoarthritis is treated in various ways, but it is not yet possible to cure the disease. The therapeutic approaches aim to achieve pain relief and/or prevent the progression of joint degeneration. Sports that are easy on the joints, such as swimming or cycling, can be recommended as a therapeutic measure. Depending on the cause and severity, joint relief using special supports, crutches, shoe soles or weight loss can improve the symptoms. Painful joints are usually treated by prescribing painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, and cortisone injections may also be used.

Therapy with cannabis

Cannabidol (CBD) is an important cannabinoid that can have both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Research suggests that the interaction of the cannabinoid with the body’s own endocannabinoid system may be the reason for a positive effect.

This effect of cannabinoids can also have a positive influence on accompanying symptoms such as sleep disorders or depressive phases that can be associated with osteoarthritis.

Increasing pain and stiffening joints can severely restrict everyday life. Treatment with medicinal cannabis can help to reduce joint inflammation and accompanying symptoms so that your quality of life improves.