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A 2019 survey on the prevalence of chronic pain indicated that approximately 20.5% of adults in the US suffer from pain. That’s not the opener you hoped for, but it is what it is. The truth is that many people live with pain, and regardless of which body part is affected.
Now, there are different types of pain. The most common are acute, chronic, nociceptive, radicular, and neuropathic pain. Likewise, the causes of pain are wide-ranging. It could be caused by physical injury, repeated strain, infections, etc.
Generally, pain is identified by the kind of damage behind it. In this regard, the two leading causes of pain are tissue damage (nociceptive pain) and nerve damage (neuropathic pain). There’s also psychogenic pain (caused by psychological factors), but we focus on neuropathic pain or neuropathy in this article.
This type of pain can affect any body part, but it can be life-altering when it attacks the feet. Fortunately, there could be a way out. The emergence of novel cannabis-based products like CBD cream for nerve pain in the feet could be game-changers.
So, in this article, we look at some of the best CBD foot creams for neuropathy. We also explore the science behind CBD cream for nerve pain and advise whether it’s worth using these products.
RELATED: Could CBD topical help plantar fasciitis?
Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream 400mg 4oz
CBD Foot Cream for Neuropathy Key Takeaways
- Roughly 20% of the American adult population has long-term pain.
- Neuropathy is caused by damaged nerves and mostly affects the limbs, with diabetes being the leading cause of neuropathy.
- CBD creams may help reduce the symptoms of foot neuropathy, such as pain and inflammation.
What is CBD Cream?
CBD cream is a cannabis-based topical product made with CBD. Cannabis has been used for years to help aid wide-ranging illnesses. But while its history highlights its therapeutic abilities, it’s only recently that the bioactive ingredients responsible for these effects became known.
The two major ingredients in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). The former is hugely popular for its psychoactive effects and boasts many possible health benefits.
Since its discovery in the 1940s, researchers have keenly studied CBD to better understand its therapeutic potential. Among its numerous health benefits, CBD exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For this reason, it’s portrayed as a potential adjunct therapy for managing painful inflammatory conditions.
CBD is now widely incorporated into creams, lotions, salves, etc., to help relieve a host of skin and inflammatory diseases. Although the composition of CBD creams varies from manufacturer to manufacturer, CBD is the major ingredient.
However, it’s not uncommon for other cannabinoids to be included, given that cannabinoids tend to work better together. Scientists call this phenomenon the “entourage effect.” Indeed, there are indications that when CBD is mixed with THC, the overall effect is more pronounced.
How Does CBD Cream Work?
CBD cream is applied to the skin and penetrates into the deeper layers. This is possible because the skin is porous thanks to millions of hair follicles. Once the cream reaches the lower layers, CBD binds to receptors and stimulates various physiologic reactions.
CBD preferentially binds to a receptor called cannabinoid receptor type 2, i.e., CB2. These receptors are mainly found in the peripheral nervous and immune systems. They mediate immune system functions and regulate inflammatory responses.
Essentially, CBD creams work by reducing inflammation and pain. All this is possible due to a vast neuromodulatory system called the endocannabinoid system, which regulates many bodily functions, including immune system functioning and pain perception.
ECS activity is regulated by compounds called endocannabinoids (endogenous cannabinoids), i.e., anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). AEA is the primary neurotransmitter at the CB1 receptor, while 2-AG does the same job at the CB2 receptor. These neurotransmitters are produced on demand.
Research shows that the CB2 receptor is primarily expressed when there’s active inflammation. Moreover, an intake of cannabinoids—in this case, CBD—triggers the ECS to produce 2-AG and AEA, compounds broadly implicated in the pathophysiology of anxiety and pain.
Cannabinoids are more effective when they reach the circulatory system. As such, topicals are perceived as less effective than edibles and inhalables because they don’t penetrate the skin deeply. However, the addition of penetration enhancers has made CBD creams more penetrative.
Transdermal patches are also another way of using topical CBD. These are able to provide a steady supply of cannabinoids for longer-lasting relief.
What is Peripheral Neuropathy?
Penguin CBD Cream - Peppermint Lavender 250mg 4oz
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition associated with damaged nerves within the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The PNS is part of the nervous system outside the spinal cord and brain. Recall that the nervous system is made of the central nervous and peripheral nervous systems.
So, peripheral neuropathy mostly affects the body’s extremities, like the hands, feet, and arms. The symptoms generally depend on the affected nerves and typically include the following:
- Numbness
- Tingling sensation in the feet or hands
- Loss of coordination and balance
- Muscle weakness
Neuropathy can be accompanied by the loss of sensation. Diabetes is the leading cause of peripheral neuropathy, as high blood sugar levels can damage nerves (diabetic polyneuropathy). In people with diabetes, the damage to the sensory neurons can make them incapable of “feeling their feet,” predisposing them to higher risks of developing foot ulcers.
Peripheral neuropathy can also be orchestrated by:
- Physical injury to the nerves
- Taking too much alcohol
- Side effects of certain medicines
- Viral infection, e.g., shingles
- Autoimmune disorders
People with neuropathy describe the pain as “shooting” or stabbing,” similar to an electric shock. This is because the nerves become hypersensitive to stimuli and send incorrect signals to the brain. In some cases, the abnormal nerve impulses originate from non-affected areas of the body.
How Can CBD Cream Relieve Pain?
CBD’s anti-inflammatory and pain-killing properties are the reasons behind its potential ability to relieve pain. Other studies suggest that CBD may also alleviate neuropathic pain and ease inflammation.
This is an interesting finding because pain and inflammation are often related. And by possessing properties that can address both problems, CBD cream may potentially reduce pain.
In fact, topical CBD products are already showing great promise in helping patients in palliative care cope with pain. Perhaps, it’s also noteworthy that CBD topicals are gaining traction in sports, where they are increasingly used to aid recovery and boost performance.
Benefits of CBD Cream for Neuropathy
Mostly Non-Intoxicating
One of the appealing features of CBD cream for neuropathy is its non-psychoactivity. Topicals enter the body through the skin and do not cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, most people should not feel intoxicated from these products.
But to enhance its therapeutic effects, manufacturers can use full-spectrum CBD, meaning the cream contains some THC. However, there’s no cause for concern; the THC levels in full-spectrum CBD are typically very low in compliance with the 2018 Farm Bill.
This is important because as manufacturers enhance the penetrating power of cannabis creams, their ingredients can reach the circulatory system. This could be a turn-off for people who are averse to the psychoactive effects of THC.
This law stipulates that hemp products must not contain more than 0.3% THC content by dry weight. While there is still controversy about whether this law effectively limits THC levels in hemp products, the spirit of this law is to ensure psychoactive substances are not available to the public.
With that said, it’s also important to note that CBD is not going to be 100% non-psychoactive for everyone. Some people, especially with low tolerance to cannabis and hemp, might feel ever so slightly intoxicated from CBD.
May Alleviate Skin Problems
CBD cream may also help you deal with other skin conditions besides foot neuropathy. This is because CBD displays a broad range of pharmacological effects. These include antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which may help prevent break-outs.
CBD creams may not only reduce nerve pain in feet, but they could also help keep the skin nourished and hydrated. Besides CBD, these creams also contain organic ingredients to enhance their skincare properties. So, they may help soothe the skin, slow down premature aging, moisturize the skin, and contribute to younger-looking skin.
CBDFx CBD Muscle & Joint Cream Cooling Formula (1,000MG to 3,000MG)
May Reduce Muscle Soreness
One of the scary things about peripheral neuropathy is that you may stop feeling sensations. If you sit/lie for long in one position, you could experience muscle soreness. Fortunately, some CBD creams incorporate natural herbs like mint, camphor, and eucalyptus to reduce muscle soreness.
How Do I Use CBD Cream On My Feet?
Before you use CBD foot cream for neuropathy, ensure it is the correct product. How? First, check that it contains the right amount of CBD or THC. These are the two most dominant cannabinoids largely responsible for the array of effects of cannabis.
Also, use products that are third-party tested. The hemp industry is unregulated, so many low-quality CBD creams are out there, so be vigilant. It also helps to buy CBD creams (and other hemp creams) from reputable brands. Check for positive customer reviews as well as product ratings.
Using CBD cream on your feet is a simple process that doesn’t need much explaining. However, there are a few tricks to get the best results. You can also check out our complete guide on how to use CBD cream.
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Wash your Hands
It is perplexing how people often overlook hygiene. Before touching the CBD cream bottle, wash your hands to avoid transferring germs to other surfaces. Just so you know, there are roughly 3,200 different types of germs thriving on your hands if they go unwashed for several hours! So, wash up.
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Clean the Affected Part
After the hands, clean the affected foot/feet with warm water. This unclogs the pores and removes substances such as oils and dust that might hinder penetration. Alternatively, use a clean, warm towel to wipe the affected part.
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Apply CBD Cream
Next, apply the recommended amount of cream to the affected area and massage gently in circular motions. This helps the cream penetrate the skin more. The longer you massage, the better the penetration. This facilitates relief of both the surface and deep-tissue levels. Keep in mind that applying a lot of cream at once isn’t going to necessarily amplify the effect. Patches of skin are only capable of absorbing a small percentage of the cream applied on the surface. So, once you go past that amount, you’ll just be wasting cream.
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Reapply as Needed
Cannabinoids don’t provide instant relief, so you may have to reapply the CBD cream several times for optimal results. Of course, this also depends on the severity of the condition. For mild to moderate pain, 2-3 times daily is fine.
Best CBD Foot Cream for Neuropathy
Choosing the best CBD cream requires knowing which product best addresses your needs. Some CBD creams are formulated to address general skin health, while others are for specific needs.
Below is a list of high-quality CBD creams that can provide relief against nerve pain.
1. FAB CBD Cream
This silky, light, non-greasy full-spectrum CBD lotion features a subtle blood orange scent that’s calming as it is fresh. With 600mg of CBD, this lotion waxes smoothly into tired and sore muscles, leaving them feeling rejuvenated.
Pros
- Positive reviews
- Calming scent
- High potency
- Contains skin-nourishing ingredients and herbs
Cons
- Only available in one strength level
2. EVN CBD Cream
This EVN CBD Cream with menthol is specially formulated to relax tight muscles and provide instant pain relief. It’s loaded with 500mg of broad-spectrum CBD and a plethora of herbal extracts like Mint, Arnica, Camphor, and Aloe Vera for rapid cooling and relaxation.
Pros
- Contains no THC
- Skin rejuvenating
- Tested by ISO 17025 accredited labs
- Non-GMO
- Instant relief
Cons
- Only available in one strength level
3. Verma Farms CBD Cream
This CBD cream contains 500mg of CBD and has the alluring sweet scent of coconut and vanilla. It also features a host of herbal extracts to nourish and moisturize the skin, in addition to providing fast relief from pain and inflammation.
Pros
- Made from high-quality, unadulterated hemp
- No nasty aftertaste
- Fast-acting
Cons
- Pricier than similar products
4. Joy Organics CBD Sports Cream
If you lead an active lifestyle, getting injuries is often not far away. But with this CBD Sports Cream packing a whopping 1000mg of CBD enriched with a premium blend of camphor and menthol, you can quickly eliminate the pain and soreness.
Pros
- Premium grade
- Fast-acting
- 0.0% THC
- Vegan
- Easily accessible CoA
- Long shelf life (18 months)
Cons
- Contains additives
5. Penguin CBD Cream
This Penguin CBD cream provides instant relief thanks to a terpene-rich formula that makes it absorb fast. It’s infused with a pleasing peppermint-lavender aroma you’ll love.
Pros
- Instant cooling sensation
- Pleasant aroma
- Promotes skin-cell rejuvenation
- Thoroughly tested by an ISO 17025 accredited, third-party lab
Cons
- Low CBD content compared to similar-sized products
6. CBDFx CBD Muscle and Joint Cream
This cream is designed to soothe pains and aches in tissues and joints. It contains broad-spectrum CBD, cooling menthol, and natural pain relievers like caffeine and white willow bark.
Pros
- Fast cooling relief
- Vegan
- 0% THC
- Water-based formula allows for rapid absorption
- Available in 2 strength levels
Cons
- Contains caffeine
- Contains additives
7. Tribe Tokes CBD Pain Relief Cream
This pain cream provides cooling effects, anti-inflammatories, and skin-nourishing properties, making it great for the skin. Whether it’s arthritis, bruises, or back/shoulder/feet pain, the 1000mg of CBD in this cream offers temporary relief to ensure you go on enjoying life.
Pros
- Potent
- Skin nourishing
- A trifecta of cooling effect
- Contains MCT oil for higher quality
Cons
- Contains additives
8. Limitless CBD Infused Muscle Cream
This CBD cream contains powerful ingredients like organic aloe, arnica, chamomile, spearmint, and black pepper to relieve achy joints and sore muscles. It’s available in two variants to ensure you get the dose that works for you.
Pros
- Available in two strength levels
- Skin nourishing
- THC free
Cons
- Contains additives
CBD Foot Cream for Neuropathy – Conclusion
CBD is becoming more prevalent, and most people tolerate it quite well. That said, if you experience any side effects from using CBD cream, stop further use and get immediate medical attention.
Read more about the different CBD products you can use to possibly lleviate pain and inflammation. While you may find CBD foot cream for neuropathy is helpful, the compound may benefit you in other ways as well.
Hearst Newspapers participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may earn a commission when you purchase products featured here. Please consult your doctor before starting any new supplement to see it is right for you.