Gout pain affects over 9.2 million people worldwide. Finding effective ways to relieve pain and discomfort caused by gout can feel like a constant uphill battle when you’ve been suffering from chronic symptoms for so long. According to clinical research, medical marijuana for gout may help you enjoy reduced pain and inflammation.
At LeafMed, we want to help you understand all the health benefits of medical marijuana. Read on to learn how medical cannabis can alleviate gout symptoms, then view our guide on how to get a medical marijuana card in Mississippi.
Can Medical Marijuana Alleviate Gout Symptoms?
To understand how medical marijuana alleviates gout symptoms, you need to learn how the condition affects the body. We discuss everything you need to know below, including gout, its symptoms, medical marijuana clinical research trials, and how to use medical cannabis to improve symptoms.
Understanding Gout
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that causes intense pain in the affected joints. Gout pain and inflammation typically occur when your body has a build-up of uric acid that crystallizes and deposits around the joints, causing joint pain. The human body creates uric acid to break down purines found in common foods, meaning the foods you eat can increase the uric acid in your body.
Your diet may impact the level of uric acid in your bloodstream, causing flare-ups, leading to extreme joint pain, inflammation, discomfort, and a reduced range of motion. You may get flare-ups from consuming seafood, fructose, certain medications, alcohol, and more.
Gout attacks can last anywhere from eight hours to multiple days. Some patients can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatories; others require more aggressive remedies to relieve pain. If you suffer from chronic gout, you likely need a solution that can help calm flare-ups and prevent them from occurring.
How Medical Marijuana Interacts With Gout
Medical marijuana provides anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate imbalances that occur from gout. Research shows that stimulating the endocannabinoid system while activating CB2 receptors in damaged joints can improve pain symptoms while reducing inflammation. Essentially, medical marijuana acts as a natural aid in your body’s healing process, improving symptoms during flare-ups.
In a research study on the medication Sativex, which contains cannabis, participants experienced pain relief and suppressed arthritis activity. Based on these findings, researchers concluded that the cannabis-based medication not only helps relieve symptoms but may also suppress the disease.
If you’re interested in using medical marijuana for gout, consult your doctor first. While medical cannabis does not typically cause adverse effects, you should still speak with your doctor about your existing medications to ensure they won’t have any interactions.
How To Use Medical Marijuana for Gout
Medical marijuana comes in numerous forms, all with varying advantages depending on your symptoms and preferences. Consider the following administration methods:
· Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid droplets you place under your tongue providing fast relief and exact dosing. Tinctures may not last long but can offer symptom alleviation during flare-ups.
· Topicals: Topicals allow you to apply the cannabis directly to the painful area for more targeted relief. You can rub the topical directly on your affected joint for immediate pain and swelling reduction.
· Capsules or edibles: Edibles offer the longest-lasting effects so you can enjoy relief all day, though you will need to wait longer for the pain relief to begin.
Seeking a Medical Marijuana Card for Gout
Now that you understand how medical marijuana for gout works, you can take the next steps. If you’re interested in trying medical cannabis, consider a medical card. Learn what medical cannabis can be prescribed for with our complete guide, then visit your doctor to see whether you qualify. At LeafMed, we want to help you find relief for common ailments with medical marijuana. Visit one of our Mississippi dispensaries or call LeafMed, (228) 382-5323, today with any questions.