Does CBD Actually Work for Plantar Fasciitis? CBD for Foot Pain
If you're one of the millions of people suffering from foot pain or plantar fasciitis, you know how debilitating and frustrating it can be.
Getting through even the simplest of daily activities like walking, running, or even just standing on your feet for extended periods of time can feel like a chore, let alone participating in your favorite activities like dancing, sports, or even going for a leisurely hike.
If you’ve tried every conventional treatment out there, and over-the-counter pain medications to expensive surgeries look like the only option. This article is for you.
We'll explore the reasons why more and more people are choosing CBD for their foot pain and plantar fasciitis. And if it could be the game-changer you've been searching for in your quest for effective pain relief without side effects.
Let’s Dive in…
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Before we discuss the potential of CBD for foot pain, let's take a look at what plantar fasciitis is.
Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation in the thick tissue that connects your heel bone and toes (known scientifically as the plantar fascia). It's one of the most common causes of heel pain for adults and typically results from overuse or strain due to activities such as running, walking or standing on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
The pain here can range from mild and manageable to severe, and can be felt in other parts of the foot like the toes or arch. Common symptoms include sharp pain in the heel upon waking up, burning sensations along with a stiff feeling in your feet when you've been standing too long, tenderness while stretching out your calf muscles, and even swelling around your ankle area.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol (or CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids found naturally in cannabis plants like hemp and marijuana. Research into these compounds has escalated significantly in recent years, and we are now just beginning to understand their therapeutic applications. Unlike THC (the component in marijuana that is responsible for the psychoactive "high"), CBD is non-psychoactive, meaning it has no intoxicating effects when consumed.
Cannabidiol is being used by many people who report benefits ranging from reducing inflammation, relieving chronic pain, and arthritis, and also for providing relief from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other conditions1.
Its anti-anxiety and pain relieving effects have made it a popular option among athletes who use it to reduce performance anxiety or to aid with post-workout recovery and pain management.
“I took it for a couple of weeks, and there was a noticeable difference immediately,” Talansky says. “And it wasn’t just that my hip was feeling better. I was less anxious, and I was sleeping better.”
-Andrew Talansky, professional cyclist for Slipstream Sports
More recently there’s been an increased amount of research into CBD's potential for providing relief from foot pain due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
CBD for Plantar Fasciitis
So how exactly can CBD help you manage your foot pain? Research suggests that when taken orally or applied topically (through usage of balms, tinctures, gels etc.), CBD works to provide relief by interacting with your body's own endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS helps regulate and maintain many bodily functions, including inflammation and pain. By activating cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CBD can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from chronic pain such as that associated with plantar fasciitis.
CBD Oil for Plantar Fasciitis
When used for foot pain relief, CBD oil offers a natural alternative for pain relief without any unwanted side effects.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people who use full-spectrum CBD oil to treat their foot pain experience long-term relief and improved mobility due to reduced inflammation and the ability to better manage their symptoms on an individual basis.
Many users also report more lasting, and potent results after taking a combination of CBD oil internally and another topical product like CBD Gel or CBD Lotion applied externally.
How to Use CBD Oil for Plantar Fasciitis
If you're considering using CBD for foot care, you have several options available. You can take CBD oil sublingually by putting it beneath your tongue, and you can use topical products like gels, balms and creams applied directly to the affected area.
Generally, those with moderate to severe foot pain might benefit more from taking stronger doses of CBD oil sublingually, while milder cases of foot pain can be relieved through external application.
It's important to note that when taking any kind of health supplement, including CBD oil, dosage and frequency should be carefully monitored according to your individual needs.
Research Into The Benefits Of CBD
Although there is still much that remains unknown about CBD's potential healing powers on a wider scale, recent research into its anti-inflammatory properties and relief from chronic pain does show promising results in terms of treating certain medical conditions- including those relating to foot pain and plantar fasciitis.
A 2016 study conducted on rats showed that CBD may decrease joint inflammation, enhance joint mobility, and reduce pain2. This is due to the compound's ability to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) - which we discussed in more detail earlier.
The ECS plays a vital role in regulating inflammation which could be key to reducing symptoms of chronic conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia, as well as offering relief from acute cases of plantar fasciitis.
Another powerful example was observed in 2018 when another team of researchers found that cannabidiol was at par with ibuprofen in terms of reducing scavenging radicals that cause inflammation and tissue breakdown - leading the team to conclude that CBD could be an effective treatment option for those experiencing chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
Secondary Foot Problems Wherein CBD Can Help
In addition to helping manage pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis, there are other common foot problems where CBD may provide some relief.
Some common disorders include:
Using CBD for Ball of The Foot Pain
The ball of the foot refers to a region of the sole located between the arch and toes — typically between the base of your big toe and baby toe.
It is an area that takes on a lot of weight and pressure when we are on our feet, leading it to become overused and inflamed over time. It has been linked to conditions such as Morton's neuroma, arthritis and gout.
For people looking to try an alternative treatment option for their discomfort in this area, CBD may provide some relief. As we discussed earlier, its anti-inflammatory effect helps reduce swelling which naturally reduces stress on the affected area.
CBD can also act as an analgesic by modulating neurotransmitter activity at pain sites - providing potentially lasting relief without the need for drugs which might be bad for your liver.
Using CBD for Feet Pain in Arch
Arch pain (or "painful arch syndrome") is another common condition that can be caused by exerting too much pressure on the arch of your foot — such as when running, jumping, and even just wearing the wrong type of shoes.
This condition is more likely to affect those with flat feet, but anyone can experience this type of discomfort.
Many people find that using a topical product such as a balm or cream directly on the affected area helps provide additional comfort — especially if you are experiencing increased pain around certain joints or muscles.
Using CBD for Metatarsalgia - Bottom Of The Feet Pain
Bottom of feet pain (or "metatarsalgia") is another common disorder that can become extremely painful and even debilitating if left untreated.
It is often described as a burning sensation in the ball of your foot which typically affects those who wear ill-fitting shoes or stand/walk on hard surfaces for long periods of time.
CBD could be a useful tool in addressing this condition, potentially providing relief for those who experience extreme cases of metatarsalgia impacting joints such as their big toe.
Using CBD for Toe Pain
When it comes to treating these types of foot pain, taking full spectrum CBD oil sublingually along with a potent CBD topical is generally considered the most effective option. This is because topical balms and creams don’t penetrate the deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue that are affected by conditions such as ball of the foot pain, arch pain, and toe pain.
CBD For Neuropathy Pain In Feet
CBD can potentially help neuropathy pain in feet, research suggests that CBD may be beneficial for those experiencing neuropathy related foot pain. A 2020 study found that topical CBD oil was effective in reducing pain and other symptoms associated with peripheral neuropathy — a condition characterized by pain or discomfort due to nerve damage3.
For optimal results, it's often recommended to take CBD orally as well as using a topical product such as a balm or cream on the bottom of your feet — although we suggest starting a low dose of CBD Oil to determine what dosage and frequency works best for you.
Treating Foot Pain Naturally
CBD isn't the only natural remedy to provide relief from foot pain. Custom orthotics, special shoe inserts designed to fit your feet specifically, are also growing in popularity as an effective treatment option for many common foot problems.
Studies have shown that tailor-made orthotics can reduce discomfort when walking due to plantar fasciitis, excessive pronation (flat feet), high arches and more.
In addition to reducing discomfort, orthotics can also help prevent further damage to your feet by helping you maintain a correct posture while standing or walking.
Bottom Line
CBD has shown promising results in terms of providing relief from foot pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, joint inflammation, arthritis and even toe or arch pains. With its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, taking CBD oil orally or applying external products like CBD gels and lotions may have lasting benefits when it comes to relieving discomfort in this area. Additionally, looking into custom orthotics (shoe inserts) can also help provide extra support and comfort for your feet.
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FAQs
Does CBD work for pain?
Research into CBD's potential for providing relief from pain has shown promising results. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have made it popular among those looking for an alternative treatment option in cases of chronic pain or inflammation. We do suggest consulting with your doctor first to determine the best course of action before taking CBD oil or applying topical products on your feet.
Does CBD work for foot pain?
Yes, CBD may provide relief from foot pain caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, gout and more. It can help reduce swelling which can be beneficial for chronic pain of this kind.
How does CBD work for foot pain?
CBD works by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) - a network of cannabinoid receptors responsible for helping regulate inflammation and pain.
By activating these receptors, CBD helps to lessen inflammation which can be beneficial in cases of foot pain such as plantar fasciitis and arthritis.
How do you use CBD for foot pain?
CBD can be taken as an oil via sublingual consumption, while CBD topicals can be used to massage the affected area for best results. Those suffering from moderate to severe foot pain may find it more beneficial to take both CBD Oil beneath the tongue along with applying a CBD Cooling Gel on the affected surface.
Can CBD help plantar fasciitis?
Yes, it may help Plantar's Fasciitis, a CBD massage along with stretching the calf muscles is a great solution. CBD Oils may help to attenuate inflammation as they are super anti-inflammatory agents and also help to reduce pain. A combination of oral ingestion and topical application may help to provide the best results.
Does CBD gel work immediately on foot pain?
Yes, CBD gel can provide immediate relief from foot pain, sometimes just in minutes.
References
- Blessing EM, Steenkamp MM, Manzanares J, Marmar CR. Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. Neurotherapeutics. 2015 Oct;12(4):825-36. doi: 10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1. PMID: 26341731; PMCID: PMC4604171. ↩︎
- Hammell DC, Zhang LP, Ma F, Abshire SM, McIlwrath SL, Stinchcomb AL, Westlund KN. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. Eur J Pain. 2016 Jul;20(6):936-48. doi: 10.1002/ejp.818. Epub 2015 Oct 30. PMID: 26517407; PMCID: PMC4851925. ↩︎
- Xu DH, Cullen BD, Tang M, Fang Y. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities. Curr Pharm Biotechnol. 2020;21(5):390-402. doi: 10.2174/1389201020666191202111534. PMID: 31793418. ↩︎
