Osteoarthritis relief with CBD gel: Clinical trial

CBD-infused gel relieves osteoarthritic hand pain

Sydney, Australia: The daily application of a transdermal gel containing CBD relieves pain and improves the quality of life of patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA), according to open-label trial data published in the journal Nature: Scientific Reports.

Study overview

Australian researchers evaluated the self-reported efficacy of transdermal CBD in a cohort of 15 OA patients. Study participants applied CBD-infused gel three times a day for four weeks. Self-reported measures were assessed at baseline and throughout the trial via smartphone technology.

Key findings

The application of CBD was associated with self-reported improvements in:

• Pain
• Grip strength
• Fatigue
• Muscle stiffness
• Anxiety

“Pain, grip strength, and quality of life measures were shown to improve over time following transdermal CBD application suggesting feasibility of this intervention in relieving osteoarthritic hand pain,” the study’s authors concluded. They noted that proof of efficacy requires further confirmation in a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Previous research

The transdermal delivery of CBD has previously been associated with reduced levels of lower back and leg pain in patients with spinal stenosis. This adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the potential benefits of CBD for various types of pain.

Personal insight

From my perspective, the findings of this study are promising for individuals suffering from osteoarthritic hand pain. The improvements reported in pain, grip strength, and overall quality of life highlight the potential of CBD-infused gels as a viable option for managing this condition. As always, further research will be crucial to validate these results and provide more comprehensive insights into the effectiveness and safety of CBD applications for osteoarthritis.