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Cannabidiol (CBD) is associated with lowering inflammation and pain relief. But there is no evidence suggesting that it can reduce the pain caused by plantar fasciitis, one of the most common types of heel pain.
This article looks at what causes plantar fasciitis, its symptoms, and whether CBD can help reduce the pain it causes.
It also explores some of the top oral and topical CBD products on the market and covers some frequently asked questions about plantar fasciitis and CBD products.
Quick links
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3 percent THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
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According to this review, people with this condition can:
- have trouble moving and doing exercise comfortably
- be more prone to injury if they fall
- develop infections, bone contusions, and pain
Learn more about heel pain here.
The main symptoms of plantar fasciitis include sharp pains in the heel and tight muscles in the heel or foot.
The condition accounts for
In addition to ligament degeneration, plantar fasciitis can result in microtears and thickening of the plantar fascia, which may have an adverse effect on the flexibility of the foot and its natural arch support.
Learn about the best running shoes for plantar fasciitis here.
Research and data to back up claims that CBD can help with pain are very limited, and studies into the effects of CBD on pain are not always of the highest quality.
However, some studies focused on CBD’s ability to reduce pain have found favorable results.
For example, a
It is a good idea to talk with a doctor before trying CBD for plantar fasciitis. The doctor may be able to recommend other research-backed treatments that can provide better results.
Typical treatments for plantar fasciitis
Learn about the best stretches for plantar fasciitis and heel pain here.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe, high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from heavy metals, mold, and other contaminants.
- Dosage: MNT chooses products that state the CBD dosage clearly.
- Serving size: MNT selects products where the manufacturers recommend a dosage.
- Third-party labs: MNT chooses products that have undergone third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
- Available certificate of analysis: MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) following receipt of its third-party lab results.
Here are some of the top CBD products on the market that may help with plantar fasciitis.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Best balm: CBDFX CBD Balm Stick Muscle & Joint
- Type: Broad-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 750 milligrams (mg), 3,000 mg per bottle
- Volume: 2 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- Price: Around $39.99–99.99
This balm stick is vegan, cruelty-free, comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee. A person can also download and read the product’s third-party lab results.
This balm’s formula includes a range of essential oils, including peppermint and black pepper.
It also contains shea butter to moisturize the skin and camphor oil, which the brand says can warm and loosen tight muscles.
As this product includes several essential oils, people who are allergic to fragrances or have sensitivities to essential oils may find it does not suit them.
Individuals should apply this product directly onto the skin.
Buyers say it helped reduce their nerve pain, arthritis, and muscle soreness.
Learn all about broad-spectrum CBD here.
Best for workouts: TheraOne Activate CBD Lotion (RED)
- Type: Full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 150 mg, 300 mg per bottle
- Volume: 1–2 fl oz
- Price: Around $29–49
This lotion has been designed for athletes and other people to use after a workout to help ease muscle stiffness. It includes USDA-certified organic CBD, according to the product label.
This lotion also contains white camphor oil, turmeric, and black pepper oil.
Buyers can opt to save 20% by purchasing this product on a subscription.
According to TheraOne, the independent third-party lab tests support the claims that this product is legal and does not contain any harmful ingredients.
The website does not show customer reviews. However, the parent company, Therabody, has a 4.1 rating on TrustPilot and over 1,000 reviews.
Learn more about full-spectrum CBD here.
Best softgels: Lazarus Naturals CBD Softgels
- Type: Full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 500 mg, 2,000 mg, 10,000 mg per bottle
- Volume: 1–2 fl oz
- Price: Around $18–200
These softgels are like capsules and include coconut oil, flaxseed oil, and a lemon flavor. They are gluten-free and vegan. However, the instructions warn that individuals who cannot eat grapefruit should avoid these softgels or consult a doctor before using them.
In online reviews, buyers have said it helped reduce their pain and inflammation.
However, the company does not display negative reviews on the website, so people considering this product may wish to look for reviews describing more varied user experiences on other websites.
People should also note that while the product labeling suggests it comes in different strengths, each softgel contains 50 mg of full-spectrum CBD. The higher strength bottles simply have more softgels inside.
Learn how CBD and THC differ here.
Best spray: Charlotte’s Web Muscle and Joint Pain Relief Spray
- Type: Full-spectrum CBD
- Strength: 600 mg
- Volume: 1.7 fl oz
- Price: $26.99–29.99
This product comes as a spray that a person can apply directly to the feet. The spray bottle gives the user the control to spray the product on smaller, targeted areas of the foot or over wider areas of skin. Using a spray bottle may benefit people who cannot easily reach to put CBD products on their feet.
It contains moisturizing chamomile extract and eucalyptus oil in addition to THC-free CBD extract.
The company writes that this joint and muscle spray can provide temporary pain relief from minor aches and pains and is suitable for use on the elbows, knees, torso, upper and lower back, and feet.
In reviews on Charlotte’s Web website, buyers mention that the product successfully and quickly relieved pain.
The company claims they do not test the product on animals and that the hemp it uses in its products is grown on certified organic farms in the United States.
Learn about hemp CBD vs. cannabis CBD here.
Some of the top questions about plantar fasciitis include:
Can I rub CBD oil on my feet?
Yes, some of the products mentioned in this article are for topical use. These products should come with instructions on how much CBD to use, how to apply it, and how often to use it.
Reviews from these products suggest that topical applications can work to reduce pain.
Learn all about CBD oils here.
Does CBD cream work for foot pain?
A 2020 commentary mentions that while there is a physiological basis to claims that CBD works to reduce pain, and several animal studies have shown CBD to be an effective pain reliever, high quality research is limited.
This paper adds that study results can vary widely, and many studies have limitations. It concludes there is not enough evidence to recommend CBD for pain.
No specific studies are looking into whether CBD works for plantar fasciitis.
People with this condition, especially those with severe or chronic pain, should consult a doctor or another healthcare professional before using CBD for pain.
Learn more about CBD and pain management here.
Which potency and frequency should I use?
Many of the companies listed above suggest that a person starts with a lower potency and slowly increases it if the product does not have the desired effect.
However, it is important to remember that some people can experience side effects from the CBD or other ingredients in the product. Talk with a doctor or another healthcare professional about the appropriate dosage to take before starting treatment with CBD.
Plantar fasciitis is a common heel condition that causes pain, particularly in people that spend a lot of time standing or running or those with obesity.
Many CBD products claim they can help lower inflammation and reduce pain. These include oral liquids, softgels, topical balms, and oils.
People should be aware that there are no studies about the use of CBD for plantar fasciitis. Anyone concerned about this condition should first talk with a doctor to determine the best treatment.
Additionally, individuals should only choose legal CBD products that third-party test certification.
