Marijuana and Arthritis

How MMJ Health can help Arthritis Patients

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is commonly thought to be the result of normal wear and tear on the body and joints throughout the years, but that is not the case. While arthritis is very common it is not well understood. Arthritis is not just one disease, it is a common way to refer to joint pain or joint disease where the swelling and tenderness of the joints, as well as pain and stiffness, worsen with age.

While anyone can be afflicted with arthritis across all ages and sexes, the disease is more commonly found in women and elderly people. It is also the number one cause of disability in America, afflicting more than 50 million people that struggle with some form of arthritis.

What causes Arthritis?

Scientists have found that there are many genes that can make people more susceptible to developing arthritis. If you have a gene that is linked to arthritis or an underlying condition, you may experience a trigger – like a virus or an injury – that could jumpstart the condition.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Common arthritis symptoms include:

Pain, redness, heat, and swelling in the joints
Stiffness
Decreased range of motion
Weight loss
Fever
Breathing problems
Rash or Itch

These symptoms can come and go. They can also range from mild, to moderate, or severe in nature. Some patients experience a plateau of their condition, while others can see a degenerative increase in progression over time.

Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain, the inability to perform daily activities and sufferers may experience difficulty walking or climbing stairs.

A severe condition may also cause permanent joint changes, while most can only be seen on an x-ray some can become visible, such as knobby fingers and clubbing of the knuckles and joints. Some types of arthritis also affect the heart, eyes, lungs, kidneys, and skin as well as the joint

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis can be found in many different types of disorders.

Degenerative Arthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage wears away and bone rubs against bone, causing pain swelling, and stiffness.
Inflammatory Arthritis: A healthy immune system is protective and will normally produce mild inflammation to get rid of infections and prevent disease. But with inflammatory arthritis, the immune system does not work as it should and mistakenly attacks the joints with too much inflammation that could lead to joint erosion. This excess of inflammation may also damage internal organs, eyes, and other body parts over time. Rheumatoid, psoriatic, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout are all examples of inflammatory arthritis. With this sort of autoimmune and inflammatory type of arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment are critical to slowing the advancement of the disease in order to prevent and minimize permanent joint damage.

Diagnosing Arthritis

The first step in diagnosing arthritis is to get an accurate picture of what is causing your joint pain. Your doctor may ask about your medical history, give you a physical exam, take samples for lab testing, or take x-rays of your joints.

Please see a licensed doctor to get properly diagnosed with arthritis. MMJ Health has professional and knowledgeable Medical Marijuana Specialists that can create a treatment plan that works for your lifestyle.

Best Terpenes for Arthritis

While there are several conventional treatments available, many people are turning to natural remedies like terpenes found in cannabis to manage their symptoms. Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in cannabis and other plants that are known to have various therapeutic properties.

Here are some of the best terpenes for Arthritis:

Beta-caryophyllene

This terpene has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to reduce pain and swelling associated with Arthritis.

Limonene

Limonene is known for its uplifting and energizing effects, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation caused by Arthritis.

Myrcene

Myrcene is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to reduce swelling and pain associated with Arthritis.

Pinene

Pinene is another anti-inflammatory terpene that has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in Arthritis patients.

Best Strains for Arthritis

Here are some of the best cannabis strains for Arthritis and how they can help:

Harlequin

This strain is high in CBD and low in THC, making it a great option for those who want to relieve pain without feeling “high”. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with stress and anxiety.

Blue Dream

This hybrid strain is known for its uplifting and euphoric effects, making it a great option for those who want to manage pain while remaining functional. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with fatigue and depression.

ACDC

This strain is another high-CBD, low-THC option that can help with pain, inflammation, and anxiety. It is also known for its calming effects and can help with insomnia.

Girl Scout Cookies

This popular strain is high in THC and can provide powerful pain relief for Arthritis patients. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with depression and anxiety.

Best Online Tools for Arthritis

There are several online tools available for people with arthritis to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Here are some of the best ones:

Arthritis Foundation: The Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides a wealth of information and resources for people with arthritis. Their website offers a variety of tools and resources, including exercise programs, pain management tips, and a community forum.
CreakyJoints: CreakyJoints is an online community for people with arthritis. Their website offers a variety of resources, including articles on managing arthritis, a directory of rheumatologists, and a forum for connecting with others who have arthritis.

Joint Academy: Joint Academy is an online physical therapy program for people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. The program includes personalized exercise plans, educational resources, and support from licensed physical therapists.
PainScale: PainScale is a free app that allows users to track their pain levels and identify triggers that may be worsening their arthritis symptoms. It also provides resources for managing pain, including meditation exercises and relaxation techniques.

What can a Florida Medical Marijuana Clinic do for Arthritis?

There are many treatments that can help relieve pain and help you live with arthritis. You should talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for you. While doctors and scientists are still gathering the science, there are more and more arthritis patients looking to medical marijuana as an option that may help alleviate their joint pain and other arthritis symptoms.

Under Amendment 2, arthritis may be a qualifying condition for a medical marijuana card in Florida.

With its natural anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, cannabis can provide relief without the harsh side effects of traditional medication. If you or a loved one is struggling with arthritis, consider exploring medical marijuana as an alternative treatment option. Book an appointment with MMJ Health, a trusted medical marijuana doctor in Florida with 9 locations, to learn more about how medical cannabis can help you manage your arthritis symptoms.