Feet take a beating day in and day out. It’s no wonder that foot pain has become such a common complaint. From plantar fasciitis and arthritis to neuropathy and injuries, the possible causes of foot discomfort abound. While rest and orthotics may help, could CBD offer more complete, long-term relief by targeting pain at the source?
Table of Contents
How CBD May Minimize Foot Pain
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 active compounds found in hemp and cannabis plants. Though CBD won’t get you high like THC, research indicates it provides powerful therapeutic effects by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
When it comes to managing foot pain, studies suggest CBD may help by:
- Reducing inflammation
- Alleviating neuropathic pain and nerve damage
- Relaxing muscles and easing muscle spasms
- Minimizing joint pain from arthritis
- Improving sleep quality
Optimal Types of CBD Products for Foot Pain Relief
With the growth of the CBD market, patients now have an array of product options for targeting foot pain relief. Some of the most effective delivery formats include:
Topical CBD Creams and Balms
CBD topicals allow direct application to the painful areas of the feet for fast-acting localized benefits. Studies show topical CBD can significantly reduce inflammation and arthritis-associated pain.
Oral CBD Oils and Tinctures
Taken under the tongue and held for 90 seconds before swallowing, CBD oils enter the bloodstream quickly to provide full-body effects. This makes them ideal for addressing neuropathic foot pain, muscle spasms, arthritis, and sleep issues.
CBD Transdermal Patches
Transdermal CBD patches can be applied to the feet for sustained CBD delivery over 24 hours or more. The time-release effect may provide consistent foot pain relief throughout the day.
Finding the Optimal CBD Dosage for Your Needs
Dosing CBD for foot pain relief requires finding your own personal “sweet spot.” Here are some tips:
- Start low and go slow – Begin with 10-15mg of CBD daily for 1 week and gradually increase if needed.
- Split doses – Dividing your daily CBD into smaller doses taken throughout the day can enhance effects.
- Mix products – Combining a topical, oil, and patch may provide whole-body and localized relief.
- Track your progress – Keeping notes on timing, dosage, and results can help optimize your regimen.
- Stay consistent – Sticking to a regular CBD routine is key for long-term relief.
Additional Lifestyle Tips for Managing Foot Discomfort
While CBD may minimize foot pain symptoms, certain lifestyle measures can further protect your feet:
- Choose supportive footwear – Shoes with cushioned soles and proper arch support help prevent pain.
- Stretch your feet – Simple stretches that flex the plantar fascia and Achilles’ tendon keep feet flexible.
- Exercise moderation – Gradually ease into new activities to avoid overexertion or reinjury.
- Elevate feet – Relaxing with feet raised above your heart reduces swelling.
- Use orthotics or braces – These support structures distribute weight and increase stability.
- Consider custom insoles – Made-to-fit insoles correct biomechanical imbalances causing discomfort.
By relieving foot pain and inflammation at the source, CBD can complement these preventive habits for lasting comfort.
Consulting Your Doctor Before Using CBD
While studies deem CBD safe and generally well-tolerated, it’s wise to discuss trying CBD with your podiatrist or healthcare provider first. They can review any potential medication interactions and provide dosage guidance tailored to your needs.
With its multi-faceted therapeutic properties and minimal side effects, CBD holds promise for providing natural, long-term relief for nearly any type of foot pain you may encounter. Give your feet the gentle comfort they deserve with CBD.
Citations
[1] Hammell, D.C., et al. “Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain‐related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis.” European journal of pain 20.6 (2016): 936-948. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26883879
[2] Philpott, H.T., O’Brien, M. and McDougall, J.J., 2017. Attenuation of early phase inflammation by cannabidiol prevents pain and nerve damage in rat osteoarthritis. Pain, 158(12), p.2442. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28885454/
[3] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H. and Hughes, S., 2019. Cannabidiol in anxiety and sleep: a large case series. The Permanente Journal, 23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/