CBD has grown in popularity in recent years as more people discover its health and wellness benefits. Many of its uses have become common knowledge, like its ability to combat anxiety, insomnia, and acne. However, CBD has many more benefits that are lesser-known like its ability to remedy gout. Although much of the research that is directly related to the effect of CBD on gout is still in development, recent studies have found that CBD can be a powerful treatment for inflammation and joint pain which is linked to gout. Below you’ll find all the information you need on the use of CBD oil for gout.

What is gout?

Gout refers to a host of conditions that are caused by a buildup of uric acid. Uric acid is formed when purines (chemicals found in certain foods like red meat, seafood, and beans) break down in your body. While your body normally expels uric acid when you urinate, there are cases where the body may overproduce uric acid or may be unable to excrete enough of it. Typically, this is because the kidneys are not able to eliminate uric acid from your system quickly enough. 

Symptoms of gout

The most prevalent location where the buildup of uric acid resides is your feet. Some people with an abundance of uric acid don’t show the usual systems, meaning they have asymptomatic gout. However, for most people suffering from gout, symptoms include swelling and pain in the joint of your foot, particularly the big toe. Those who have gout cite sudden and intense pain, called gout attacks, which can feel like your foot is on fire. Other symptoms include joint stiffness including difficulty moving affected joints and redness.

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What you should know about CBD for joint inflammation

People experiencing acute gout find that symptoms appear quickly due to the buildup of uric acid crystals in joints and can last up to 10 days. Between these gout attacks, you will not experience any symptoms. However, gout must be treated because it can become chronic. Over time, hard lumps called tophi may develop in your joint as well as the skin and soft tissue surrounding them. These deposits may permanently damage your joints if they are not addressed. Gout can also eventually lead to arthritis which can leave your joint permanently damaged.

What are traditional treatments for gout?

Treatments will depend on the stage as well as the severity of the condition. Typically, doctors will prescribe medication. The medication to treat gout will work in one of two ways. First, they assist in the reduction of pain and inflammation. Otherwise, they will prevent gout attacks by lowering uric acid levels. Some of the drugs which relieve gout pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin (Bufferin), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). On the other hand, the drugs that can prevent gout attacks include xanthine oxidase inhibitors, such as allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim) and febuxostat (Uloric) or probenecid (Probalan).

Gout can, for the most part, be treated without surgery. However, if the condition persists after many years, it can damage the joints, tear tendons, and cause infections in the skin around the joints. When tophi build up, the lumps can be painful and swollen and may also permanently damage your joints. Depending on your level of discomfort, you may opt for one of three surgical procedures: tophi removal, joint fusion surgery, or joint replacement surgery. 

Apart from medication and surgery, your doctor may recommend certain lifestyle changes in order to help manage your symptoms and lower the possibility of future gout attacks. Some of these recommendations include reducing your alcohol intake, losing weight, quitting smoking, with cutting down on foods that contain purines. Further, they may advise you to incorporate some gout-relief foods into your diet like tart cherries, ginger, apple cider vinegar, celery, and nettle tea. With that said, medication, surgery, and lifestyle changes are not the only way to manage gout. In fact, alternative therapies like the use of CBD have recently shown promise.

Why should one try a natural alternative like CBD?

CBD has been used as an effective treatment for varying conditions as early as 2900 BCE. Though modern research has yet to catch up in a comprehensive examination of CBD, many studies have shown the benefits of CBD in its treatment of joint pain and inflammation, which is linked to gout. This alternative to medication, and sometimes surgery, can be the favoured choice for many people because it is a natural alternative to traditional medication. As such it poses far fewer risks associated with medication-related side effects. Furthermore, CBD can help treat several conditions distinct from joint pain and inflammation including the above-mentioned anxiety, insomnia, and skin conditions. In this way, CBD can be an all-in-one solution. 

How can CBD help with gout?

In 2015, a study published in the European Journal of Pain explored the effects of topical CBD in rats with arthritis. The study found that the transdermal (topical) application of CBD has long-lasting effects without the psychoactive component found in THC. The researchers concluded that the use of topical CBD has the potential to be an effective treatment for those experiencing the symptoms of arthritis. Though the study was conducted exclusively on rats, the findings are encouraging for gout patients since inflammation is one of the primary symptoms and can be managed through the use of CBD oil.

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2018 saw a literature review published in Current Opinion in Pharmacology that explained how cannabinoids have the ability to treat osteoarthritis, known to be the most common form of arthritis, which breaks down cartilage and bones. Noted in this study was an essential component believed to be the driving force behind CBD’s efficacy—its interaction with the Endocannabinoid System or ECS. The ECS has an important role in the management of inflammation and joint-related pain. For this reason, gout patients can benefit from the anti-inflammatory benefits of CBD.

Customer reviews

The effectiveness of resolve CBD’s topical CBD  for treating joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis is undeniable. For instance, Darryl O. states, “Started using CBD cream after having surgery for an arthritic big toe. I find that it helps alleviate the discomfort that still flares up from time to time. It allows me to get through the day virtually pain free.” 

Kyra M. on the other hand writes, “I have chronic pain in my right hip which tends to radiate in my back and leg if I overwork it. I just got this creme and it has worked wonders!!! The pain subsides and I am not bothered by it anymore. It is the perfect solution to a chronic problem I have to live with. This creme makes it very manageable. It happens so quickly as well; within 15 minutes the pain is gone for me.”

John B. has experienced similar pain reduction, explaining, “I have suffered from arthritis pain for years and nothing that I tried really worked. Then I purchased CBD Cream – 500mg (Extra Strength) and my pain is reduced by at least 80%. I just cannot believe the difference in such a short period.”

Resolve CBD’s CBD oil has likewise helped many patients experiencing similar symptoms. For example, Diane S. states, “Great, product, tastes very clean and has given me a lot of relief with my arthritis issues, also I have been sleeping better as well! Will definitely reorder.”

Aleks C. writes, “I love this product as it has helped me deal with sleep and chronic pain daily. I prefer a higher dosage as I found I was going fast through the 1000mg.”

Conclusion

As a result of the numerous studies which have shown CBD’s effectiveness in combating pain and reducing inflammation, CBD has proven its ability to manage gout-related symptoms. Nonetheless, more gout-specific research is needed in order to prove CBD’s effectiveness in curbing this condition. As always, it is crucial to consult your doctor before adopting any treatment plan in order to ensure that it is right for you.

Written by Rahaf Sheikh-Khalil