CBD Oil for Bursitis Pain - April 2024

How Effective Is CBD Oil for Inflammation and Pain Relief From Bursitis?

Bursitis is a medical issue characterized by the inflammation of the bursa. This body part is the fluid sac that cushions and reduces friction between the bones, tendons, and muscles near the joints⁽⁴⁾.

There are no current studies specifically on the efficacy of CBD oil for inflammation and pain caused by bursitis. 

However, studies have indicated that CBD may possess anti-pain (analgesic) and anti-inflammatory properties⁽⁵⁾. 

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabis plant extract that works with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽⁶⁾.  

The ECS regulates different bodily functions, including sleep, appetite, memory, and pain. The system is composed of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2⁽⁷⁾. 

CB1 receptors have a significant role in pain sensations, while CB2 stimulates an anti-inflammatory response⁽⁸⁾.

The interaction between the two receptors and CBD may produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects⁽⁹⁾.

One study suggests that CBD with argan oil may be used to treat pain and swelling linked to inflammation caused by arthritic and rheumatic diseases⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Moreover, research examining rat models hypothesized that topical CBD may potentially relieve inflammation and arthritis pain-related behaviors without causing significant side effects⁽¹¹⁾. 

Despite the study being conducted on animals, the purported benefits of CBD may be a potential subject for further research on cannabidiol and humans. 

Lastly, a study examined pediatric patients suffering from epidermolysis bullosa who were given topical CBD cream, oil, and spray for symptom management⁽¹²⁾.

Epidermolysis bullosa is a rare skin condition that causes the skin to blister and become painful and fragile.   

The said study showed that CBD supported quicker wound healing and reduced the pain and formation of blisters.

While these studies may be promising, research on CBD and bursitis are still lacking. More research on the benefits of CBD in bursitis is required.

CBD Usage to Relieve Hip Bursitis

Cannabidiol has been hypothesized to aid with inflammation and muscle tightness and provide pain relief when applied topically⁽¹³⁾. 

Individuals may administer CBD topicals for bursitis by directly applying the product to the affected area. 

Topical CBD products may come in various forms, such as creams, salves, balms, and lotions. Other CBD products include edibles like gummies, CBD oil tinctures, and CBD vapes. 

What Is CBD Oil?

Cannabidiol, more popularly called CBD, is an active cannabinoid found in hemp plants⁽¹⁴⁾.

CBD oil is produced by infusing carrier oils such as olive oil, coconut oil, or hemp oil into CBD concentrates from cannabis or hemp plants⁽¹⁵⁾.

Risks and Side Effects of CBD

Generally, CBD users may experience minor side effects like⁽¹⁶⁾:

• Fatigue 
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea

Furthermore, CBD may inhibit the cytochrome P450 enzymes, which play a role in metabolizing pharmaceutical drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)⁽¹⁷⁾. 

This interaction may increase the duration and effects of drugs⁽¹⁸⁾.

What Is Bursitis?

Bursitis is a medical condition that causes pain and inflammation on the bursa or the tiny, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, muscles, and tendons around the joints⁽¹⁹⁾.

Causes of Bursitis

Some causes of bursitis are positions or repetitive movements that inflict pressure near the joint such as:

• Repetitively throwing or lifting items 
• Leaning on elbows for prolonged periods 
• Excessive kneeling for tasks like scrubbing floors or carpet 

Other causes of bursitis are damage or injury to the affected area, rheumatoid arthritis, infection, and gout.

Types of Bursitis

Bursitis can happen in any part of the body with a bursa. Some types of bursitis include⁽²⁰⁾:

• Retromalleolar tendon bursitis is also called Albert disease. This type of bursitis is caused by injuries or shoes with inflexible back support that put additional strain on the Achilles tendon.
• Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis or Haglund deformity occurs in the bursa between the heel’s skin and the Achilles tendon. This condition is exacerbated by pressing the heel into the rigid back support of a shoe while walking. 
• Hip bursitis or trochanteric bursitis is usually the result of overuse, injury, arthritis, spinal abnormalities, or surgery. This condition is prevalent in women and middle-aged or older people.
• Elbow bursitis is caused by the inflammation of the bursa between the bones of the elbow and skin due to continuous pressure on the elbow. 
• Knee bursitis is also called Pes Anserine bursitis or goosefoot bursitis. This condition occurs due to overweight, tight hamstring muscles, lack of stretching before exercise, or arthritis.

Symptoms and Effects of Bursitis

Each individual may experience varying symptoms of bursitis. The most common symptoms of bursitis include⁽²¹⁾:

• Limited motion
• Pain
• Tenderness in localized areas
• Redness and swelling 

Chronic bursitis may cause constant feelings of pain, tenderness, and swelling. These symptoms may lead to a limited range of motion on the affected joint and a breakdown of muscles.

It is vital to note that bursitis symptoms may also resemble other medical diseases or conditions. Individuals should seek an official diagnosis from a healthcare provider. 

Treatments for Bursitis and Their Side Effects

A medical professional may suggest various advanced treatment options for managing bursitis, such as⁽²²⁾:

• Antibiotics if the individuals have an infection.
• Physical therapy to improve one’s range of motion.
• Occupational therapy for individuals to learn how to move in ways that will not stress the affected area.
• Injection of a corticosteroid medication for quickly reducing symptoms of pain and inflammation. 
• Surgery to correct the affected bursa if other treatments do not work after six months to one year.

Recent Developments in the Treatment of Bursitis

Septic bursitis is a medical condition that occurs when the bursa is infected⁽²³⁾. This condition may be challenging to differentiate from aseptic bursitis or the non-infectious disease caused by trauma and inflammation of the soft tissues⁽²⁴⁾.

Currently, there are no definitive treatment guidelines for septic bursitis. The best symptom management for this condition includes early recognition and prompt initiation of suitable antibiotic therapy. Surgery may also be needed. However, complications may arise from this procedure⁽²⁵⁾.

1. What is bursitis?
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bursitis
2. Research shows pain-relieving effects of CBD
   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210423130221.htm
3. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
4. What is bursitis?
   https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bursitis
5. Research shows pain-relieving effects of CBD
   https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210423130221.htm
6. The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator
   https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator
7. An introduction to the endogenous cannabinoid system
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4789136/
8. Cannabinoids and Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.01259/full
9. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
   https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
10. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
11. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
12. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
13. Healing With CBD, page. 210.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
14. Cannabidiol (CBD)-what we know and what we don’t
    https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476
15. Healing with CBD page 205
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
16. CBD: What You Need to Know Before You Try
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/cbd-safe.html
17. page 114 to 115 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
18. Ibid.
19. Bursitis
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bursitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353242
20. Bursitis
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bursitis
21. Ibid.
22. Bursitis
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10918-bursitis#management-and-treatment
23. Septic Bursitis: The Serious Side of Bursitis
    https://www.arthritis-health.com/blog/septic-bursitis-serious-side-bursitis
24. Aseptic Bursitis
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/bones-joints-and-muscles/bursitis/treatments/aseptic.html
25. Recent developments in septic bursitis
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23933823/