Living With Arthritis

Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints, which causes pain and stiffness. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. The first step in living with arthritis is understanding what it is, then finding a way that works to manage your pain.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs from wear-and-tear damage to your joint’s cartilage. The wear-and-tear can come from many years of use or by a joint injury. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation of the joint lining. Osteoarthritis generally affects the hips, hands, knees, lower back, and the neck.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the other main type of arthritis. In Rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule, causing swelling and inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the linings of the joints.

There are many steps that can be taken to manage the pain that comes from arthritis. For osteoarthritis, exercise can significantly reduce inflammation and pain. Although osteoarthritis pain can make exercising difficult, exercise strengthens muscles and tissues around the joint.

For both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, ice and warm compresses can help to ease the pain. Use ice for inflamed joints and a warm compress, or heating pad can help to loosen stiff joints and make movement easier.

CBD can also help with arthritis pain. The use of CBD products daily and continuously can help to manage daily pain. CBD is an anti-inflammatory, and a great way to help manage arthritis. Continuous daily use of CBD products may help eliminate or ease pains caused by arthritis.