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According to a recent study, over 11 million people in the UK suffer from some form of arthritis. The majority of these patients struggle with knee osteoarthritis, while around 3.2 million struggle with hip osteoarthritis. With better access to CBD (cannabidiol), the British are asking the all-important question, “Does CBD oil help against arthritis?”
The answer to the question is a mixed one, and more research needs to be conducted. What we do know is that the science is clear: CBD can have positive effects on joint health, pain relief, and all-round physial wellness.
|
Type of Arthritis |
Estimated Affected Population (UK) |
How CBD Can Help |
|
Osteoarthritis |
10 million |
May reduce pain and inflammation, improving mobility. |
|
Knee Osteoarthritis |
5.4 million |
Could help manage joint stiffness and discomfort. |
|
Hip Osteoarthritis |
3.2 million |
May assist in pain relief and support flexibility. |
|
Rheumatoid Arthritis |
~1% of UK population (~680,000) |
Might help modulate the immune response and reduce swelling. |
|
Other Musculoskeletal Conditions |
20 million+ (various forms) |
Can provide general anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits. |
Let’s delve into this subject and present some studies, facts, and scientific evidence so that UK readers can decide for themselves whether CBD for osteoarthritis or other conditions is a viable option.
How CBD Reduces Joint Pain and Inflammation
One of the main reasons people in the UK explore alternative medicine like CBD for arthritis is because of its pain management properties. There are six main ways CBD does this, so let’s look at each one more closely.
CBD Interacts with the Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system, or ECS, is the body’s pain regulation system. CBD has shown to have a positive effect on the CB1 and CB2 receptors by interacting with the ECs and regulating pain.
CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
There’s no doubt that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that directly affect joint movement, stiffness, and pain. How much pain relief CBD provides varies from one person to the next and often depends on how much CBD is being taken and what form is preferred.
When using CBD for inflammation, UK residents are encouraged to try different forms, vary their dosages, and experiment with other treatments such as joint-health foods, physical therapy, and more.
CBD Affects the Brain’s Pain Receptors
While pain itself is a reality for anyone suffering from arthritis, CBD can dull that pain to some degree. Because it reacts with the brain’s pain receptors, the perception of pain can be lessened, and the patient can enjoy a level of comfort they would otherwise be without.
This has become a major reason why using CBD for arthritis in the UK has become such a popular option. The science is clear: CBD does have an effect on pain and continues to relieve pain with little-to-no side effects when used appropriately.
CBD Mitigates Immune Overactivity
When the body struggles against arthritis, there’s a common risk of going into immune overactivity, which leads to the damage of joints over time, invariably increasing pain long term. CBD has the ability to reduce immune overactivity, allowing joints to heal and preventing further damage to some degree.
CBD Protects the Nerves and Reduces Neuropathic Pain
Promoting joint health with CBD also involves protection of the nerves through a reduction of neuropathic pain. This pain is common in arthritis patients and is often chronic—and in some cases, unbearable. CBD reduces neuropathic pain and provides some comfort to those with arthritis.
CBD Promotes Better Sleep
The body’s ability to sleep well at night is inescapable from its ability to heal and manage pain. Because CBD is known for promoting healthy sleeping habits, this can greatly affect the patient’s awake time in terms of pain levels.
Scientific Research Supporting CBD for Joint Health
Despite the wide range of studies on CBD for arthritis, further research is undoubtedly necessary. Two recent studies shed some light on how arthritis patients can benefit from CBD consumption. We’ve summed up each of these and encourage arthritis patients in the UK to research further to see what other studies have concluded.
The Arthritis Foundation—CBD for Osteoarthritis
A study by the Arthritis Foundation was recently updated in 2024. This study found that large numbers of people with arthritis who tried CBD for osteoarthritis experienced noticeable pain relief. The study also stated that anyone considering using CBD for treating arthritis should consult a medical healthcare professional before doing so.
OrthoBullets
OrthoBullets did a study showing that patients with debilitating arthritis had promising results when using CBD for pain relief. They showed clinically that CBD had a definitive positive effect on inflammation, stiffness, patient’s comfort levels, and some arthritis symptoms.
Joint Health with CBD—Types of Products
When considering CBD for rheumatoid arthritis, it’s important to know what options are out there and how they should be administered. While some forms of CBD come without THC levels, others contain THC with enhanced pain relief properties. UK residents should educate themselves on the different forms of CBD and which forms are appropriate for their respective ailments.
|
Form of CBD |
Best Used For |
Main Difference (Speed, Potency, etc.) |
|
CBD Oils & Tinctures |
Systemic pain relief, reducing inflammation |
Fast absorption (15–45 min), moderate to high potency |
|
CBD Capsules & Softgels |
Long-term arthritis management, daily dosing |
Slower onset (1–2 hours), consistent dosing, long-lasting effects |
|
CBD Topicals (Creams, Balms, Gels) |
Localized joint pain and inflammation |
Direct application, no systemic effects, moderate potency |
|
CBD Edibles (Gummies, Beverages) |
Gradual pain relief, sustained effects |
Slow onset (1–2 hours), longer-lasting effects (4–8 hours) |
|
CBD Patches |
Continuous pain relief over extended periods |
Slow release, steady absorption, long-lasting (up to 24 hours) |
|
CBD Vapes & Inhalers |
Rapid relief for sudden flare-ups |
Fastest absorption (minutes), short-lived effects (1–3 hours) |
CBD Topicals (Creams, Balms, and Gels)
Many people are unaware of the fact that CBD comes in more than just consumable forms. One such form is topical applications in creams, balms, and gels. These can be applied to symptomatic areas of the body and be absorbed through the skin to provide relief from pain, inflammation, and stiffness of the joints.
This has become a popular means for many to use CBD for rheumatoid arthritis, because while many still hold a stigma toward CBD consumption, many are more than happy to try topical applications for pain relief when going for a massage or simply applying topical CBD at home.
CBD Oils and Tinctures
One of the most common ways to take CBD is through CBD oil or tincture droplets. This can be taken directly and undiluted through the mouth or added to food items, baked goods, or drinks. CBD oil is one of the fastest ways to gain the benefits of CBD properties and also the easiest.
While most people don’t like the taste of undiluted CBD oil, others find the flavour to be nutty and earthy. In many cases, users will simply dab a few drops onto their tongues and chase it with a glass of water or hot beverage.
Others will add CBD oil or tincture to meals or drinks and even add them to their baked confectioneries or homemade sweets. You can add CBD oil to almost any dish or beverage due to its versatility.
CBD Capsules and Soft Gels
For those who don’t like the taste of CBD oil or tincture, CBD capsules are a great option. These usually come in a form where they can be swallowed, hiding the taste of the contents of the capsules or soft gels. Both forms are as easy to take as a simple headache tablet, making them perfect options for those who might be squeamish about swallowing pure oil.
CBD Edibles (Gummies, Snacks and Beverages)
Edibles refer to snacks, sweets, or baked goods that have had CBD infused into them during the preparation process. There are hundreds of varieties out there, including gummies, liquorice, brownies, biscuits, and energy drinks. Many users also make their own edibles to their own taste, simply buying the CBD oil and adding the appropriate amount to their snacks or food.
CBD Patches
CBD patches are a good option for arthritis patients who want to try alternative means of pain relief and anti-inflammation. These patches can be applied to areas of the body where the pain is centralised and replaced whenever needed. The properties of the CBD seep into the skin and move their way down to the joints and muscles, offering some pain relief in many cases.
As we’ve seen, using CBD for joint pain in the UK can be done in many forms, and it all depends on what works for the individual. Now let’s see what people who have tried these methods have to say about them.
User Testimonials: CBD for Arthritis Relief
People who have tried CBD pain relief for joints are the ones we really want to hear from. If these patients report some level of relief after using CBD, there’s no stronger evidence than that. While testimonials will invariably differ, the following testimonials are public for all who are interested to read them.
April Olshavsky began using CBD in 2016 during a severe bout of endometriosis pain and found immediate relief. Encouraged by this experience, she applied CBD salve combined with trigger massage to her arms and shoulders affected by osteoarthritis from years of being a pet groomer. She reported that this routine helped reduce the frequency of severe arthritis flare-ups.
Ron Lev was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis 27 years ago. Ron explored various treatments before trying CBD. He found that CBD products helped manage his arthritis symptoms, leading him to become an advocate and support group leader, sharing his positive experiences with others.
Nancy was a 57-year-old arthritis sufferer who tried numerous treatments without long-term relief until she discovered CBD oil. She described the experience as transformative, stating, "It's like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders."
Many more testimonials exist online and on record at doctors’ offices. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation has published a piece outlining some of the positive feedback received from patients who tried CBD and experienced greater levels of comfort while dealing with arthritis.
However, some patients who have tried CBD have not reported any positive experiences. Feedback on CBD pain relief for joints varies across different people, so it’s not guaranteed that it will work for everyone.
Still, the evidence suggests that a large percentage of people who have tried it swear by its pain-relieving benefits. More research in this field is desperately needed, since many reports also add that some claims are woefully inconclusive. As research continues, we will start seeing more long-term conclusions and probably start seeing an increase in CBD prescriptions.
Combining CBD with Other Treatments for Optimal Joint Health
There are many excellent treatments out there that help alleviate pain in arthritis patients. In addition to using CBD for joint pain, many find it helpful to combine CBD with other arthritis treatments that are deemed more traditional. CBD can, in some cases, assist with absorption, pain relief, and enhanced comfort during traditional treatments. Here are some examples.
CBD and Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great way to relieve joint stiffness and accelerate healing in patients with arthritis. But it can take a lot out of the body in terms of energy, effort, and muscle strain. While this type of therapy is greatly helpful in the short and long term, it can become burdensome for those who suffer with immense joint pain.
Combining physical therapy with CBD oil can have multiple benefits, including:
- Quicker recovery after sessions;
- More flexibility;
- Better sleep at night and better recovery;
- Less pain during strenuous exercises;
- An increase in energy and motivation.
More and more doctors as well as physical therapists are beginning to recommend CBD to their patients while practicing their expertise to relieve their patients’ pain and heal their bodies.
CBD and Glucosamine or Chondroitin Supplements
Glucosamine or chondroitin supplements are wonderful for strengthening the body’s cartilage and supporting the joints. Their benefits can be enhanced with CBD because of the latter’s anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
Because many traditional pain medications can have adverse side effects, using CBD together with pain medication can allow the user to reduce their dosages of chemical painkillers while experiencing the same (or sometimes better) level of pain relief.
CBD and Heat Therapy
Using CBD for inflammation together with heating pads can greatly increase the effectiveness of the pads used for pain relief. Many arthritis patients have claimed that adding CBD topical products like balms or creams to the pads alleviates the pain more thoroughly.
CBD and Ice Packs
Some arthritis patients in Britain find that ice packs provide temporary relief from inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Topical creams, balms, and ointments can be applied to the area of pain before ice packs are used, enhancing their effectiveness.
CBD and Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a type of therapy that some claim works really well, while others say it makes no difference. For those who find that acupuncture works, CBD oil as an accompanying topical cream or oral administration can also enhance this helpful therapy.
CBD and Massage Therapy
Topical CBD creams and oils can also be used as a massage oil for arthritis patients who regularly get massage therapy to relieve joint pain. Not only do the properties of CBD get absorbed into the right areas of the body, but the smell can be soothing for the mind too.
CBD and Dietary Recommendations
Many doctors and bone health experts put their patients on joint-health diets as part of their treatment of arthritis. Adding CBD to an oil-rich diet is a great way to increase the body’s ability to absorb those oils and strengthen the cartilage or joints, as well as the bones themselves.
In fact, there are many ways to implement CBD into everyday meals at home. CBD oil can be dropped onto prepared meals, energy drinks, smoothies, or even the doughs of soon-to-be-baked goods. There are even YouTube channels and websites dedicated to helping people with inspiration for making CBD-infused meals at home, and many of these recipes incorporate healthy oils and bone-strengthening foods.
Conclusion: Is CBD an Effective Solution for Joint Health?
There’s much evidence to suggest that CBD is an effective solution for promoting joint health for those in the UK suffering from arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. While many of the 11 million arthritis patients in Britain prefer to employ traditional medicine as a treatment option, more and more patients are turning to alternative and experimental treatments like CBD.
Many practitioners are still sceptical about joint health with CBD, and it’s up to the patient to decide whether they want to move over to alternative medicine—whether it’s to experiment or out of desperation. Always make sure you find a doctor you trust, and ask him or her to advise you on whether this is a viable option for you or not.
