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These days, CBD dispensaries can be found in most cities, with topical products, tinctures, and even edibles available in various strains and strengths claiming to treat everything from anxiety to chronic pain—including foot pain.

But is CBD an effective option for those suffering from foot conditions like plantar fasciitis? We dug into some research to get the scoop for you!

What is CBD?

Cannabis is notorious for its psychoactive properties, but many don’t realize that marijuana is composed of 120 cannabinoid compounds—and not all of them induce the “high” this plant is most known for.

The two most prevalent compounds are also the most recognizable: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these compounds are known for a range of both proven and anecdotal health benefits, though there is a key difference: THC is what creates an intoxication effect, while CBD does not impact you psychoactively.

Although the popularity of CBD as an alternative health product seemed to explode overnight over the last few years, marijuana has actually been used for medical purposes for many years—with the first documented use dating back to 2737 B.C.!

It wasn’t until later in the mid-20th century that the various structures present in marijuana were isolated and researched, with Dr. Raphel Mechoulam leading one of the first breakthroughs in understanding the effects of individual cannabinoids—and earning himself the nickname “The Godfather of Cannabis Research.”

Dr. Mechoulam’s work paved the way for a much greater understanding of how our body interacts with different cannabinoids, particularly in terms of medical use.

What is CBD used for?

Over the last few years, CBD has seemed to explode on the market. CBD dispensaries can be found in most cities, with topical products, tinctures, and even edibles available in various strains and strengths. Everyone from famous brands to your distant cousin on Facebook swears by its many varied uses. Oils and tinctures are used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve anxiety, while topical applications are being sold to improve healing, treat skin concerns, and provide relief for aching muscles.

Anecdotally, there is nothing CBD can’t do—but what does research say? While in-depth study of cannabis and CBD is still a bit behind, there are a number of studies that explore the health benefits of cannabinoids.

• Studies have shown that topical application of CBD (transdermal absorption) helped reduce joint swelling and relieve arthritic pain.
• Cannabinoid receptors in pain-processing parts of the brain and spinal cord indicate that certain cannabinoids may help control pain transmission.
• Researchers suggest that CBD oils are effective in managing difficult-to-treat pain, such as chronic discomfort from arthritis and foot conditions.

Can you use CBD for foot pain?

In reviewing both clinical and anecdotal evidence, it does seem that CBD products may help alleviate foot pain for some people—but it’s important to go in with an open mind and temper expectations. We know firsthand how frustrating it can be to find pain management that works, and that what works for one person may yield little-to-no results for another.

If you do want to try CBD oil to treat your foot pain, we encourage you to purchase from trusted and verified sellers and peruse product reviews before hitting the buy button. Consider the type of product you want, such as full-spectrum CBD or THC-free CBD, and determine the dosages that match best with your concerns—or talk to your doctor about what they recommend. Look for products from popular and proven CBD suppliers, such as Balance CBD, Green Roads, or Lazarus Naturals.

It’s important to note that while CBD may help reduce your discomfort, it will not treat the cause of your pain. If you only treat the symptoms and not the condition, you may end up continuing to exacerbate the good or tear the fascia tendon. We recommend using CBD for pain management in addition to treating the root cause with a product like QUICK TAPE.

Are there any downsides to CBD?

True topical CBD oil is considered to be generally safe for use and with a very low risk of side-effect. If you are considering CBD tinctures or other oral products, however, it’s important to speak with your doctor to ensure you are not taking any medications that may interact poorly with the CBD.

Because of the growing demand for CBD products and often fuzzy state-level restrictions and oversight on its production and sale, one of the primary risks of CBD is potentially purchasing synthetic or contaminated CBD products. In fact, the FDA released a warning to consumers about the dangers of using synthetic CBD products, including increased heart rate, vomiting, violent behavior, high blood pressure, and reduced blood supply to vital organs.

Our thoughts on CBD for foot pain

We understand the desire to try everything you can to alleviate pain, especially if you’re trying to avoid surgery. That’s why we developed the QUICK TAPE foot support strap. Based on our research, it does seem that CBD could be a good option for potentially reducing foot pain—but just like with any other over-the-counter options, we recommend working closely with your doctor to ensure the products you try won’t exacerbate your pain.