Does CBD Help With Gout Symptoms? A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Joint Pain with CBD Oil

Does CBD Help With Gout. Potential Benefits

Gout is an extremely painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by excess uric acid buildup in the bloodstream. During a gout attack, uric acid crystals deposit in the joints, leading to swelling, redness, heat, and debilitating pain.

While gout is manageable with conventional medications like NSAIDs, steroids, and xanthine oxidase inhibitors, these drugs come with side effects and don’t treat the root cause. This leads many gout sufferers to seek out natural alternatives like CBD. But does CBD oil actually help with gout symptoms? Let’s analyze the current research.

What Causes Gout Flare-Ups?

Gout flare-ups occur when excess uric acid in the blood crystallizes and deposits in joint spaces, tendons, and surrounding tissue. Uric acid buildup stems from poor diet, obesity, genetics, kidney problems, and certain medications.

Common symptoms include severe joint pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness. Attacks frequently hit the big toe but can impact the ankles, heels, knees, fingers, and wrists as well. Recurrent gout attacks can cause joint damage and disability over time.

Conventional Gout Medications & Their Side Effects

Standard gout medications aim to control pain and inflammation during acute attacks. These include NSAIDs like indomethacin, steroids like prednisone, and the anti-inflammatory drug colchicine.

While these work well initially, they irritate the stomach lining and come with risks of internal bleeding, kidney problems, infection, and rebound gout flares when stopping them.

The other class of medications, xanthine oxidase inhibitors, aim to lower uric acid production long-term. Allopurinol and febuxostat can prevent future gout attacks but take several months to work and come with side effects like rash, nausea, and liver toxicity.

Given the drawbacks of conventional gout drugs, more patients are seeking out natural alternatives like CBD oil. But what does the research say so far about CBD for gout relief?

Analyzing Research on CBD’s Effects on Gout

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-intoxicating compound found in hemp and cannabis that impacts the endocannabinoid system. Early research shows CBD is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and uric acid lowering.

A 2020 rodent study in Arthritis Research & Therapy found CBD gel applied to rats significantly reduced uric acid crystal-induced paw swelling and joint destruction. This indicates CBD could protect cartilage and bone in gout patients.

An earlier rodent study in Life Sciences showed CBD injections blocked acute joint inflammation and pain in rats. Several reviews also cite promising evidence that whole-plant cannabis effectively reduces arthritis inflammation and pain in humans.

While most evidence is preclinical thus far, the proposed mechanisms behind CBD helping gout are clear. CBD is anti-inflammatory and uric acid lowering, which can theoretically prevent and resolve gout flares.

Anecdotes of Patients Using CBD Oil for Gout

Despite lack of large-scale human trials, gout patients already use CBD products daily to manage symptoms. Most report quicker pain relief, reduced swelling, and fewer attacks compared to prescription drugs.

Chad A., a gout patient from Ohio, says taking 50mg daily CBD oil drops ended his severe gout flares that left him bedridden every few months. He now lives flare-free taking a CBD/CBG tincture twice daily.

Tracy S. from New Mexico used to miss several days a month of work from painful gout in her toes, knees and wrists. After adding a CBD topical rub and softgels, she’s gone 8 months without an attack for the first time in years.

While anecdotal, patient testimonials strongly support CBD’s effectiveness at preventing excruciatingly painful gout attacks without major side effects. More clinical trials are underway, but current evidence is promising.

Optimal CBD Sources, Dosages & Delivery Methods for Gout

High quality CBD from reputable sources is critical whether enjoying oils, softgels, rubs, or other products. Hemp-derived full or broad-spectrum CBD contains various anti-inflammatories that likely aid gout.

Most gout patients take 20 to 50mg CBD oil daily to maintain low uric acid levels and prevent flares. Those with frequent or severe gout find relief with higher doses around 100 to 300mg daily. Using a

CBD topical rub directly on affected joints also speeds up symptom relief. Combining oral drops and topicals enables both systemic and localized benefits.

Start low at 20 to 50mg daily when using CBD for gout. Slowly increase every 3 to 7 days if needed to find the lowest effective dosage for your symptoms. Splitting doses morning and evening is optimal for consistent coverage.

Monitoring uric acid levels, gout symptoms, and adjusting CBD dosage accordingly ensures best results long-term. Some patients find breaking CBD oil capsules into their favorite drink or smoothie makes ingesting daily CBD more enjoyable.

Lifestyle Changes to Pair With Taking CBD Oil for Gout

While CBD shows promise for gout relief, lifestyle measures boost its effectiveness. Losing excess weight reduces uric acid production. Limiting alcohol, shellfish, red meat and high-fructose corn syrup also helps prevent gout attacks.

Drinking cherry juice, eating berries, staying well-hydrated, and avoiding trigger foods can make a noticeable difference for gout patients using CBD oil. Gentle, frequent movement and activity keeps joints flexible while avoiding further damage during gout flares.

Considerations When Using CBD Oil for Gout

While most gout patients tolerate CBD well, check for interactions with your doctor, especially if taking xanthine oxidase inhibitors or immunomodulators. Start with low CBD doses and monitor kidney function and uric acid levels.

Research whether full or broad-spectrum CBD is best for your needs. Broad-spectrum contains various anti-inflammatories minus THC, while full-spectrum retains THC that could show up on drug tests.

Consider your personal risks, benefits and doctor’s input when choosing CBD isolates, full or broad-spectrum products. Test different oil strengths and delivery methods to find what works optimally for you.

Tracking symptoms and adjusting CBD dosage and timing provides the customized approach needed for chronic inflammatory conditions like gout. Patience is key - it may take weeks to months to find your ideal regimen.

The Future Outlook for CBD & Cannabinoids in Gout Treatment

As interest grows, several cannabinoid-based drugs for gout are now in development. New York-based Corbus Pharmaceuticals recently tested synthetic cannabidiol CRB-4001 on gout patients. All subjects experienced reduced flare intensity and frequency.

Another promising drug is Lenabasum, a cannabinoid receptor activator that triggers anti-inflammatory receptors in immune cells. Early research found it lowers uric acid levels and prevents gout flares. Larger Lenabasum trials for gout and other arthritic conditions are underway.

Additionally, university researchers are studying how marijuana compound THC impacts gout inflammation and pain pathways. They hope to develop a prescription THC-based medication without intoxicating effects.

While current options are limited to CBD oils and hemp extracts, future prescription cannabinoid medications could provide targeted gout relief with more research. CBD-based topical gels and transdermal patches may also hit the market sooner for direct, rapid joint pain relief.

Until new pharmaceutical drugs are approved, gout patients can opt for legal hemp-derived CBD products based on their personal needs and doctor’s guidance. Those unable to take standard gout medications may benefit most from CBD oil’s natural inflammation-lowering properties.

Key Takeaways - What Does Research Indicate About CBD & Gout?

In summary, here are the key points covered regarding whether CBD oil helps reduce gout symptoms:

Gout arises from excess uric acid depositing in joints, causing recurrent inflammation, swelling and extreme pain

While effective initially, standard gout medications have risks of side effects and don’t address root causes

Emerging research shows CBD is anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and uric acid lowering, preventing gout attacks

Patients report great success using CBD oils, topicals and edibles to reduce gout flares

Combining CBD with lifestyle measures provides greater benefit long-term

More large-scale human trials testing CBD head-to-head against standard gout drugs are warranted

Several promising cannabinoid-based gout medications are now in the pipeline

Early research clearly supports CBD’s theoretical mechanisms of action for improved gout outcomes

In closing, current evidence indicates CBD holds promise for relieving painful gout symptoms without harsh side effects. More research is needed, but CBD oil appears an effective supplemental or standalone option for reducing gout attacks naturally.