Nearly 80% of U.S. adults suffer from foot pain, yet only 1 in 3 adults seek medical attention for their ailments. Fortunately, there is an alternative, even for those hesitant to try prescription drugs. Whether the pain is due to arthritis, blisters or another podiatric ailment, CBD products might be just the thing for many of them.
For some people, this extract mimics the performance of prescription-strength medications. Read on to learn how some have soothed sore feet with CBD, no prescription necessary.
Sometimes foot pain stems from back problems. Sciatica, bulging discs or other spinal issues, may cause pain to radiate down the legs and into the feet. Note that foot pain without leg pain typically comes from other, specifically foot-centered conditions, not back-related issues.
People with back problems might experience pain relief from topical CBD applications, even if the pain comes from a chronic condition. Those who suspect their foot pain comes from their spine may want to apply gel or cream directly to the lower back rather than to their feet. They might also consider taking CBD pills or powder to see if it helps fight inflammation. (Always speak to a physician first.)
As we age, our risk of developing osteoarthritis increases. Left untreated, arthritis can create pain that makes it difficult to walk, run or even stretch the soles and toes. This pain may appear as cramping, dull aches or sharp, shooting sensations. Research seems to indicate that CBD may help alleviate osteoarthritis-related pain by reducing joint inflammation. CBD may also hinder the development of nerve damage in arthritic joints, which makes it ideal for preventative measures as well as pain flare-ups.
Tight shoes, barefoot adventures and pedicure scrubs-gone-wrong can damage the skin on our feet, resulting in blisters or abrasions. These injuries can become infected if we fail to treat them properly, which is why we might consider CBD oil, gel or cream — it turns out that CBD also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, so topical CBD products may help prevent infection. CBD also seems to reduce inflammation, so it may help reduce the size of blisters by revving up the healing process.
Sometimes feet ache from a grueling workday or workout. Other times, they may feel stiff or sore without an obvious reason why. In these situations, CBD products may provide general pain relief similar to that of prescription medications. Of course, those anti-inflammatory properties help alleviate all sorts of minor aches and pains, and may even help heal the body or allow it to heal, anyway.
CBD is often touted as a modern-day wonder drug, despite limited research about its benefits, so consider that it may or may not work and look for research for whatever specific condition you have in mind. If you decide to test drive this popular supplement, make sure you let your healthcare providers know and check in with the pharmacist to be sure there won't be interactions you hadn't planned for. Even substances that are naturally derived have the potential to interact with prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. But they also have the potential to help us feel better than we have in a long time.
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