If you’re one of the millions of people suffering from pain caused by a disease or ailment such as arthritis, you might have considered trying medical marijuana.
If you’re from the state of Louisiana, medical cannabis access for people with arthritis in New Orleans is available for patients and you can get your MMJ card at TeleLeaf – New Orleans.
Medical Marijuana As An Alternative Treatment for Arthritis
People who suffer from rheumatic disorders, which affect the joints and connective tissue, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are often in excruciating pain, and many of them use medicinal marijuana to treat the symptoms.
According to a research published in the Journal of Opioid Management in September-October 2009, 80 percent of medical marijuana users in a U.S. pain clinic were taking cannabis to relieve myofascial pain, which affects muscle and tissue.
In Canada, 65 percent of medicinal marijuana users say they take it to treat severe arthritis.
Overview of Arthritis
Arthritis is a general phrase that refers to any condition that affects the joints. Joint pain and stiffness are common symptoms.
There are over a hundred different forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis (degenerative joint disease) and rheumatoid arthritis are the two most frequent types.
Rheumatic diseases come in a variety of forms. Osteoarthritis affects the fingers, knees, and hips and commonly develops with age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects the hands and feet most commonly. Gout, lupus, fibromyalgia, and septic arthritis are some of the other kinds of arthritis.
According to the CDC, arthritis affects 23% of all adults in the United States, or about 54 million individuals. Arthritis limits the activities of around 24 million adults, and more than one-fourth of those with arthritis experience severe joint pain.
Arthritis frequently coexists with other chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, making it more difficult for people to manage their health.
There are a number of disorders in which joint pain is the primary symptom and is regarded the most prominent feature.
When a person has “arthritis,” it can be a signal they have one of the following diseases:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gout and pseudo-gout
- Septic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Still’s disease
Symptoms of Arthritis
Pain is a typical symptom of almost all kinds of arthritis, and it can range in severity. Swelling, joint stiffness, redness, and soreness around the joint are some of the other symptoms.
Lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, for example, can affect various organs in the body, causing a variety of symptoms.
Among the signs and symptoms are:
- Inability to use the hand or walk
- Stiffness in one or more joints
- Rash or itch
- Malaise and fatigue
- Weight loss
- Poor sleep
- Muscle aches and pains
- Tenderness
- Difficulty moving the joint
Causes of Arthritis
Injury, aberrant metabolism, genetic composition, infections, and immune system malfunction are all factors in the development of arthritis.
Controlling pain, minimizing joint damage, and improving or maintaining quality of life are all goals of treatment.
Medication, physical therapy, and patient education and support are all part of the process.
Treatment for Arthritis
Arthritis and rheumatic disorders have no recognized cure. Physical therapy, exercise and diet, orthopedic bracing, and oral and topical medicines are some of the treatment options available, depending on the type of arthritis.
Repairing damage, restoring function, or relieving discomfort may necessitate joint replacement surgery.
Physical therapy
Physical and occupational therapy are both beneficial to people with arthritis. Arthritis causes the joints to stiffen and the range of motion to be reduced.
In advanced cases, physical treatment has been demonstrated to enhance function, reduce pain, and delay the need for surgical intervention.
Medication
The medication used may differ depending on the type of arthritis.
For example, acetaminophen is the first-line treatment for osteoarthritis, whereas non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are used to treat inflammatory arthritis. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections may be considered for more severe cases of osteoarthritis.
Medical Marijuana Benefits for Arthritis
According to studies, medical marijuana can assist with not just the basic symptoms of arthritis, but also can help with the side effects of having a long-term severe illness, such as mood disorders and a lack of appetite.
Many patients suffering from arthritis are increasingly turning to medical marijuana to alleviate their pain.
Medical marijuana has had excellent outcomes for some patients, including reduced pain, reduced use of other medications, and better mobility.
If you want to gain access to a medical marijuana card in New Orleans make an online appointment with TeleLeaf.com now and talk to a qualified medical marijuana doctor.