Your knee is one of the most used joints in your body. In fact, it is the largest joint in your body and is quite a complex and miraculous design. But when something goes wrong in the knee, be it inflammation or arthritis or something even more serious, it can lead to lots of pain and discomfort, maybe even put you on the bench for a while.
Since knee pain is something we all experience from time to time, it makes sense that so many are searching for answers to their knee pain — seeing their doctors, searching for alternative therapies, and taking over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Many are also Googling “CBD and knee pain” or “Can CBD help with joint pain?” So, today, we’re talking about your knee pain and what CBD may be able to do to help you feel better.
A Little About Your Knee Joint & Knee Health
The National Library of Medicine tells us that “A healthy knee can be moved from 0 degrees (completely straight) to about 150 degrees (calf touching the back of your thigh). A bent knee can be turned inward (towards the other leg) by about 10 degrees, and outward by 30 degrees. The knee joint is made up of a number of bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons and ligaments.”
With so many moving parts, and such a range of motion, there are a variety of ways the knee can be injured or hindered in its movements. Any sudden movement the wrong way, pressure on the knee, or even gradual wear and tear can cause any number of issues in those areas where cartilage meets tendon, ligament or other tissues.
Plus, there are diseases and conditions that may cause joint pain in the knee. Some pain is acute, meaning that it’s temporary, and other pain may become chronic. Depending on your knee condition, the pain intensity can range from aches, stiffness, discomfort, and loss of mobility, to sharp or unbearable pain that’s difficult to manage.
Common Causes of Knee Pain
- ACL Injury — a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
- Fracture of the bones or patella (kneecap)
- Torn meniscus
- Bursitis in the knee
- Arthritis pain (osteoarthritis)
- Tendinitis
- Sprains or strains
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Torn cartilage
- Reinjury of an old knee issue
- Age/aging
For more information on knee injuries, try these helpful resources: 1.) Mayo Clinic 2.) Johns Hopkins 3.) Arthritis Foundation on knee pain and arthritis
Common Knee Pain Treatments
- RICE (Rest, ice, compression, elevation)
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Specialized care from your doctor , Chiropractor or physical therapist
- Braces and other physical supports
- Limiting use of the knee while it heals
Is CBD Safe? How Does CBD Work?
Many people are turning to CBD for joint pain, including using this cannabis-plant derivative in addition to or as an alternative to prescribed medications. Because of its reputation for having anti-inflammatory properties and helping with sleep quality, CBD has quickly risen in popularity as an alternative way to manage pain, knee or otherwise.
It’s important to note that more research and clinical trials need to be conducted before we can better understand the extent to which CBD oil may be of help, especially for chronic pain patients, who need to use some type of pain management long-term. Research suggests that the correlation between CBD’s relief of pain may have a lot to do with two main areas of your health that influence pain:
- How calm your body and mind are
- And, how well you are sleeping
Both of these things, when improved, may help alleviate your pain. In addition, many topical CBD oils are in cream or gel topical form, and contain a numbing or pain-relieving agent, such as menthol, which also helps to relieve your symptoms at the source of your pain.
What Type of CBD Is Best for Joint Pain?
There are two ways to use CBD oil as part of your knee pain relief plan. One, you can take CBD orally, keeping CBD oil in your system to help your body feel more calm and get better rest. Secondly, you may apply CBD for joint pain creams or oils directly to the affected area for targeted relief.
Is CBD Oil or Topical Cream Better for Joint Pain?
Which is better, oral CBD oils or CBD topical solutions that you put right on the skin? Let’s say this jury is consistently undecided. Many swear by the pain relief they feel when taking CBD oils, and others carry multiple CBD roll-ons everywhere they go, hailing the instant cooling relief.
What’s best is what works best for you. Our recommendation is to use both. Take CBD oil each day for your overall wellness and comfort and schlep on that CBD gel regularly when your knee is bothering you.
Together, both products work well to help you feel more calm, sleep better and feel less discomfort.
Best Multipurpose CBD Oil
The CBD oil we recommend comes in two different types and which of them you should use is purely a personal decision — with the input, of course, of your doctor.
- CBD Oil in broad spectrum tincture drops
- Or full spectrum tincture drops or full spectrum CBD oil capsules
The difference between the full spectrum and broad spectrum is in how much of the cannabis plant is used to create the formula. Because THC is not selectively eliminated from the formula, and the cannabis plant profile is more complete, we refer to these formulas as full spectrum. Broad spectrum does not contain THC.
Using either formula for pain is easy. Simply take the drops or capsule twice a day regularly, or use the CBD products on the days you need them. It helps to take the CBD products right before bed to ensure you get that reparative and restorative sleep you need when you’re in pain.
Best Overall CBD Topical for Joint Pain
If you’re worried about taking an oral CBD product or if you already take other medications and don’t want to interfere in any way, it’s ok. There is help for you in the form of topical CBD creams like Asé Pure Naturals’ Roll-On Gel formula.
This powerful CBD formulation has a variety of relieving ingredients to treat joint pain with natural solutions. Here’s a little of what you’ll find in this revolutionary therapeutic ointment:
- Light, refreshing peppermint scent that’s all-natural and made from a blend of essential oils
- Capsicum Oleoresin — Analgesic properties, temporary relief of minor aches and pains of muscles and joints, has been studied for the management of different models of neuropathic pain
- Roman Chamomile Oil — A natural way to relieve pain
- Sweet Basil Oil — Topical reliever of muscle aches
- Camphor Oil — Another of nature’s natural pain reducers, hailed for its natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Cinnamon Oil — A natural way to stimulate circulation, reduce stress, alleviate pain and stiffness
To use CBD topical creams: Roll directly onto the affected area as often as you need. Or roll the gel onto your hands and then apply to the affected area as frequently as you need. Do not rinse.
Solving Your Knee Pain Problem
Sometimes it takes time to get to the source of your knee pain and find a lasting solution. While you wait for those doctor appointments and therapy sessions for your knee, it’s important not to further damage your knee or put unnecessary stress on the joint while it is inflamed or causing pain. Rest your knee, elevate it, and follow your doctor’s advice to the letter.
How well you care for an injured knee can impact how strong and resilient your knee will be moving forward. Give your knee the time it needs to heal, but also, use CBD products as a way to make that healing time more comfortable. And remember, one crucial key to healing — your sleep! Great sleep (made easier with CBD use!) can help your body heal more efficiently!
