Cannabis and Gout: How Medical Marijuana Eases Arthritis Pain and Inflammation

Cannabis and Gout: Will Medical Marijuana Help to Relieve Arthritis Symptoms?

Gout is a searing and sometimes crippling type of arthritis that affects millions of individuals around the globe. Loathed for inducing severe inflammation and joint pain—most often in the large toe—it can turn even the simplest tasks into torture. Though traditional treatments are available, many are now exploring the promise of medical cannabis as an adjuvant treatment for symptom relief.

Understanding Gout: Causes and Challenges

Gout is triggered by the build-up of excessive uric acid in the blood. When the acid becomes crystallized, it produces pointed deposits that tend to collect in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. The condition is most commonly observed in the big toe but can also include ankles, wrists, elbows, and fingers. Even the light touch of a bedsheet, for instance, can be painfully severe in an attack.

The etiologic cause of this disease is mostly attributed to lifestyle and diet. Diet rich in purine like organ meats (liver, kidneys), shellfish, red meat, and alcohol are the culprits behind the production of uric acid. Coffee and some legumes may even make symptoms worse for some individuals. Physicians often opt for lifestyle modification to reduce flare-ups, but for some, relief from the stabbing pains is a challenge despite improved diets.

Traditional Therapies: How Effective They Are and Where They Fall Short

Conventional medical treatment of gout typically involves NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or reduction of uric acid with drugs. Although these treatments are effective, they also come with risks. Long-term NSAID use has been shown to cause gastrointestinal problems like nausea, ulcers, and bleeding. They also go on to cause kidney and cardiovascular damage in some cases.

Thus, patients are seeking safer alternatives to traditional treatment—namely treatments of pain and inflammation with undesirable side effects.

The Application of Medical Cannabis in Gout Management

Medical cannabis has been employed due to its ability to cure, namely its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Although studies on cannabis and gout are limited, studies on the application of cannabis in arthritis and chronic pain management show optimistic findings.

Among the strongest arguments that have helped cannabis earn legitimacy is that it offers relief without the side effects of conventional painkillers. Cannabinoids such as CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) work with the body's endocannabinoid system, which helps to regulate pain and inflammation. For gout patients, triggering these cannabinoids can help to decrease swelling in joints and bring relief during flare-ups.

Scientific Insights: What Studies Suggest

A 2008 mouse experiment with rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms showed that CBD can decrease inflammation by as much as 50%. A study at Dalhousie University looked at humans and found that cannabinoids can be used to block pain signals from joints to the brain, thus easing arthritic pain.

The Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Disease in the UK also conducted a trial which concluded that drugs based on cannabis enhanced sleep, decreased resting pain, and increased mobility in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Though gout is different, these trials are a good yardstick to follow while investigating how cannabis can be utilized for the treatment of such inflammatory conditions.

Selecting the Best Cannabis Products

Where cannabis is smoked for gout, the most useful will likely be CBD-dominant varieties since these are extremely anti-inflammatory and have very little psychoactive content. Unfortunately, most of the varieties that are currently available have been cultivated to have high amounts of THC to be enjoyed, so medical consumers have less choice.

But with a re-entry on high-CBD strains. Cannatonic, for instance, with an average of about 6.5% CBD and an even percentage of THC, is finding its way on to more store shelves. CBD oils, tinctures, topicals, even edibles enable patients to experiment on what works best for their affliction.

Local application of topically applied salves and balms could give relief. CBD vaporized or low-THC strains, which act immediately, may act at once in people who need immediate relief.

A Personalized Approach

As with most illnesses, treating gout with cannabis is a process of trial and error. The perfect strain, dosage, and method of administration may take some experimenting to determine, but even so, the majority of users will find that their overall health benefits significantly once they have discovered what works best for them.

It is worth noting that although cannabis is able to alleviate pain and inflammation, it will never be used as a solo treatment for gout. Allowing the use of medical cannabis to complement proper exercise, hydration, and dietary change will be crucial in successfully curing the disease.

Final Thoughts

Gout is a chronic condition which can be a serious aspect of daily life. Although traditional medication does have its role, medical marijuana is becoming a valuable choice for individuals who want to use a less pharmacologically-based method of managing pain and inflammation. As more studies are developed, patients and physicians alike may learn more about how cannabinoids can be utilized as a part of the management of gout and other types of arthritis.

If you are considering the inclusion of medical cannabis in your wellness plan, consult with a healthcare provider who is well-versed in cannabinoid therapy to determine what's best for your situation.

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