CBD for Medical Conditions

CBD for Foot Pain - April 2024

Written by Stanley Clark Updated on 1 April 2024 | 6 minutes read

Stanley Clark
Updated on 1 April 2024

Read time
6 minutes read

Foot pain may result from trauma, overuse, or inflammatory illnesses affecting the foot’s bones, ligaments, or tendons⁽¹⁾. Arthritis is also responsible for foot pain.
In clinical studies, the adverse effects of current arthritis drugs are often related to both the active components and the route of administration⁽²⁾. Cannabidiol may lower inflammation and pain without adverse side effects.
Injury to the nerves outside the spinal cord (peripheral nerves) and the brain causes peripheral neuropathy, which triggers hand and foot weakness, numbness, and discomfort⁽³⁾.
In one research, peripheral neuropathy patients who used CBD oil transdermally reported less pain and other unpleasant symptoms⁽⁴⁾. Generally, CBD is well tolerated and may be an alternative to conventional neuropathy treatment.

How CBD Oil May Help Relieve Foot Pain

There are no direct studies linking CBD oil to relieving foot pain.

However, cannabidiol or CBD, is one of the most pharmacologically active phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa⁽⁵⁾. Although CBD is nonpsychoactive, the compound exerts many positive pharmacological effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The pharmacology of CBD and the numerous molecular targets with which it interacts, such as cannabinoid receptors and other compounds of the endocannabinoid system, have been thoroughly investigated⁽⁶⁾.

The endocannabinoid system or ECS consists of two primary cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and two major types of endocannabinoids or endogenous ligands⁽⁷⁾. CB1 receptors are present at presynaptic locations in the peripheral and central nervous systems. In contrast, CB2 receptors are mostly expressed in immune cells.

Foot pain may be caused by injury or inflammatory disorders affecting any of the foot’s bones, ligaments, or tendons⁽⁸⁾. Foot discomfort is often caused by arthritis. Injuries to the nerves of the foot may trigger excruciating pain, numbness, and tingling (peripheral neuropathy).

Individuals with arthritis of the foot and ankle have stiffness and swelling as the typical symptoms⁽⁹⁾.

Arthritis denotes “inflammation of the joints”⁽¹⁰⁾. The condition is characterized by inflammation in and around the joints.

In a clinical study, the side effects of current arthritis medications are often linked to both the active ingredients and the mode of delivery⁽¹¹⁾. Cannabidiol may reduce inflammation and discomfort without adverse effects, although the compound is hydrophobic and poorly absorbed when ingested.

CBD topical application results in more stable plasma levels, avoiding stomach administration and first-pass metabolism⁽¹²⁾. Topical CBD shows therapeutic promise for relieving arthritic pain-related behaviors and inflammation without apparent adverse effects.

Usage of CBD Oil for Foot Pain

There are no direct clinical studies linking CBD oil with foot pain. However, researchers who want to explore the benefits of CBD oil on nerve pain in feet or whether the compound is good for foot pain may find the following study helpful.

In a 2020 study, patients with peripheral neuropathy who used CBD oil transdermally experienced a considerable reduction in pain and other unpleasant sensations⁽¹³⁾. CBD is well tolerated and may be an alternative to conventional therapy for peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet due to injury to the nerves outside the spinal cord and brain⁽¹⁴⁾.

How CBD Roll-Ons Work for Foot Pain

The purported health benefits of CBD include pain relief. In fact, several CBD brands claim that their CBD products, like CBD roll-ons, have analgesic effects.

However, studies about the pain-relieving potential of CBD are inconclusive.

For consumers who want to try CBD topical products like roll-ons, it is recommended that they consult their healthcare provider first, especially if they have sensitive skin.

When it comes to CBD’s potential analgesic effects, consumers should note that the compound may provide only temporary relief and not all may experience it.

What Is CBD?

There are roughly 60 cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its isomer delta–9-THC in particular, being the most significant psychotropic compound⁽¹⁵⁾. Other discovered chemicals include cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and olivetol.

CBD, unlike delta-9-THC, is nonintoxicating⁽¹⁶⁾. Cannabidiol exhibits various favorable pharmacological effects, including its putative analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

The USFDA or U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the Epidiolex (cannabidiol) oral solution for managing seizures associated with two uncommon and severe types of epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, in children two years and older⁽¹⁷⁾.

Epidiolex is the first medicine authorized by the FDA⁽¹⁸⁾. It is also the first FDA-approved drug to manage Dravet syndrome.

What Is THC?

THC is the psychoactive compound that causes the “high” linked with marijuana use⁽¹⁹⁾.

Marinol and Syndros contain dronabinol, a synthetic delta-9-THC. These synthetic cannabis-related drug products have also been licensed for therapeutic usage in the United States, including managing nausea associated with cancer chemotherapy and anorexia related to weight loss in AIDS patients⁽²⁰⁾.

Meanwhile, the 2018 Farm Bill was signed into law on Dec. 20, 2018⁽²¹⁾. This new law changes some federal authorities related to the production and marketing of the hemp plant and any part of the cannabis plant, including any derivatives, seeds, and extracts.

These amendments include removing hemp from the CSA, which implies cannabis plants and products with less than 0.3% THC are no longer restricted drugs.

Uses of CBD

In many clinical studies, CBD may help with the following symptoms and medical conditions:

Inflammation and pain⁽²²⁾
Inflammatory bowel disease⁽²³⁾
Seizures⁽²⁴⁾
Insomnia⁽²⁵⁾
Depression, anxiety, and mental disorders⁽²⁶⁾

CBD Products and Types

CBD products are available in topical forms, such as CBD creams, salves, lotions, and ointments. Other CBD items available in the market include CBD tinctures, CBD vapes, and gummies.

CBD has three main types: full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.

Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all compounds of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil are almost the same. However, the latter is THC-free. Lastly, CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD.

Several CBD products may include hemp oil, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, peppermint oil, alcohol, cooling menthol, and many other distinct ingredients, promising therapeutic effects.

Some CBD brands may also promote CBD oil‘s purported antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities, claiming that their products can help individuals with blisters, ankle pain, heel pain, and foot pain.

Some CBD companies may even say their CBD-infused items can improve overall wellness. Still, research regarding CBD’s therapeutic potential is in its infancy. Hence, consulting a doctor before using any CBD products is necessary.

Risks and Side Effects of CBD

CBD consumption carries additional risks. CBD may induce adverse effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, decreased appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue⁽²⁷⁾. Additionally, CBD may interact with other drugs, such as blood thinners.

The unpredictability of CBD‘s purity and dose in goods is a cause for concern⁽²⁸⁾. A recent analysis of 84 CBD online products noted that over a quarter of the items had less CBD than advertised. Additionally, THC was detected in 18 CBD items.

Different Types of Foot Pain

Foot pain may impede an active lifestyle⁽²⁹⁾. There are several causes of foot discomfort, including fractures, sprains, and nerve injury. Below are the most common areas of foot pain and their causes:

Plantar fasciitis: It is characterized by excruciating pain in foot heel, particularly after resting and standing periods.
Achilles tendon injury: The most prominent tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon. It is the connective tissue between the calf muscle and the heel bone. However, this tendon is also the most frequent location of tendonitis and tendon rupture owing to overuse.
Pain in the ball of the foot: Pain in the ball of the foot, which is situated on the bottom of the foot beneath the toes, may result from nerve or joint injury.

Other types of foot pain include:

Heel spurs: A heel spur is a bony protrusion that protrudes from the rear of the heel bone of the foot (plantar fascia)⁽³⁰⁾. Heel spurs result from excessive tension and pressure on the foot’s ligaments and tendons.
Corns and calluses: Corns and calluses are thick, hardened skin layers that form in response to friction or pressure⁽³¹⁾. They often appear on the foot, toes, hands, and fingers.
Bunion: A bunion is a bony bump at the base of the big toe joint⁽³²⁾. The causes may be hereditary, foot injuries, or congenital abnormalities. Some factors may increase the risk of bunions, including wearing high heels or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no best pain reliever for foot pain. Nevertheless, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, are commonly used to relieve pain.