Plantar fasciitis is common and often frustrating. Plantar fasciitis causes sharp pain in the heel and bottom of the foot. Especially during the first steps taken in the morning. Because of inflammation of the plantar fascia (a thick band of tissue that supports the arch of the foot). While standard treatment options like rest, physical therapy, and orthotic devices may help. Many people are looking for natural options to manage their pain and inflammation. Recently, there has been a rise in the use of CBD oil for plantar fasciitis.
Understanding Plantar Fasciitis
Before we get to how CBD oil for plantar fasciitis may help, we should look at what causes plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis usually occurs due to repetitive strain on the plantar fascia, causing microtears and inflammation. Runners, people who are on their feet for long periods, and those with poor foot mechanics are the most at risk.
Thus, plantar fasciitis pain may severely disrupt everyday tasks by limiting mobility and quality of life. Many traditional treatments include ice, stretching activity, as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
What Is CBD?
Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not a psychoactive compound, meaning it will not get you “high. Still, it has gained popularity for its beneficial properties, including being anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-relieving), and calming.
As a product of hemp, CBD oil for plantar fasciitis has become legal in many areas and can typically be used for a variety of ailments, including anxiety, chronic pain, and this list goes on. But can it genuinely aid with plantar fasciitis?
How CBD May Assist with Plantar Fasciitis
1. Anti-Inflammation
To begin with, the most likely mechanism associated with CBD is that its active ingredient works to limit inflammation through interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). the ECS regulates functions such as pain, mood states, and immune function. By binding to certain receptors within the ECS, CBD will potentially work to decrease the level of inflammation in the plantar fascia which is the source of pain.
2. Pain Relief
In addition to decreased inflammation, CBD could positively affect pain relief. Evidence indicates that CBD could alter the way pain is perceived by changing activation in the brain and/or nervous system processing. While additional clinical studies are warranted, existing anecdotal evidence and studies indicate that CBD oil for plantar fasciitis may benefit people with chronic foot pain in managing symptoms more effectively than current treatment options alone.
3. Better Sleep/Recovery
Additionally, CBD is thought to help people relax and increase the quality and quantity of sleep, which is critical to recovery. It’s important to get adequate rest when you are injured, and many people with plantar fasciitis experience sleep disturbance secondary to their foot discomfort. CBD oil for plantar fasciitis could help to promote better rest and thereby contribute (albeit indirectly) to faster healing.
How to Use CBD for Plantar Fasciitis
There are many ways to use CBD as part of your plantar fasciitis management plan.
Topical CBD Creams: Applying a topical CBD-infused cream directly over the heel and arch may reduce the affected area more precisely.
CBD Oil for plantar fasciitis: Tinctures taken orally could offer whole body relief and contribute to decreased overall body inflammation.
CBD Capsules or Edibles: These are an effective and easy way to provide consistent dosing throughout the day.
It’s best to begin with a low dose and then increase it progressively based on your body’s responsiveness. And always consult your medical provider before beginning CBD treatment, especially if you are currently taking any medications.
What Does the Research Say?
Although scientific research on both CBD and plantar fasciitis remain sparse, research on CBD and chronic pain is positive. A 2020 review in the Journal of Pain Research concluded CBD may prevent pain in conditions like arthritis and neuropathy, which have similarities to plantar fasciitis relating to inflammation and discomfort.
While no direct evidence exists, many users have reported improvement in foot pain after taking CBD consistently. Finally, while we need more hard research, existing data suggest CBD could be a useful component of an overall pain management plan.
In Conclusion
CBD oil for plantar fasciitis could be a natural method to manage plantar fasciitis. It’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and potential to aid in sleep and relaxation makes it an attractive option for those seeking alternatives to pain medications.However, it should not be considered a miracle cure; rather, CBD oil can be a supplemental treatment, preferably used in conjunction with other evidence-based treatments, such as physical therapy, stretching, and appropriate shoes.
