Is CBD Good for Bad Knee Pain?

Knees are like the door hinge for the leg; when it stiffens and creaks, your entire lower half suffers. Regular knee pain is all too common amongst young and old alike, striking individuals of lifestyles and fitness levels. Whether your "bad knees" is rooted in overuse, an injury, or a medical condition like tondnitis or arthritis, the inevitable truth is that knee pain flat out sucks. 

CBD has been found to be an increasingly popular ingredient for effectively managing daily knee pain, thanks to its innate abilities to calm inflammation and pain-recognition sensors. 

So yes, CBD is "good" for "bad knees." Better still, it can be administered in a multitude of ways to best fit your particular preferences. In this article, we'll explore how and why CBD can assist with knee pain, as well as highlight various solutions at your finger tips. 

Get to Know the Details of CBD

CBD, which is also known as cannabidiol, is a compound derived from the cannabis plant (it should not be confused with THC, the psychoactive compound known to create a "high" in large doses). CBD oil has a range of benefits due to its rich offering of antioxidants, vitamins, fatty acids, and omegas, which all cater to restoration and repair. 

When applied topically to your bad knees (or anywhere else), CBD is absorbed through the skin to interact with the endocannabinoid receptors. The result is the reduction of inflammation and overall discomfort within your knees. 

CBD oil not only has anti-inflammatory effects, but it also contains natural components that calm the nervous system and boost the immune system, all of which can semi-relieve pain in bad knees and throughout your body.

How CBD Oil Interacts With Your Body to Relieve Knee Pain

The human body innately includes a special set of receptors called TRPV1 receptors that bind to CBD oils when placed on the skin. The natural result after your skin absorbs CBD is reduced inflammation, pain relief, and an easement of related itching and swelling. 

Common symptoms of chronic knee problems include decreased or unstable mobility, weakness, redness, stiffness, swelling and the most obvious… pain! CBD can be regularly used for bad knee pain regardless of which symptoms from the list above your experience. Studies have shown that cannabinoids can inhibit certain neurotransmitters in the brain that play a role in your body’s inflammatory response, thus assisting your body not only physically but also via your nervous system.

Suggested CBD Pain-Relief Products to Help Bad Knees

At Botanika Life, we specialize in all-natural wellness solutions that use organically grown, full-spectrum CBD and other ingredients of equal quality. The results are clean, powerful ingredients that earn us life-long customers. Here are just a few of our CBD-based pain products that would be particularly good for bad knees. 

CBD Pain Roller With Lidocaine - This handy product is designed for the swift, mess-free application of 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD, lidocaine, menthol, and other pain-relieving ingredients. Whether you’re in the locker room, workplace, or on a hike, you can pull it from your pocket or bag, roll the CBD serum onto the front and back of your knees, and you’re good to go. Take note, this comes in both a 90 mL bottle and a mini-sized 40 mL.

Ultra-Relief Muscle Pain Rub With CBD - When your bad knees start to throb, your first instinct is to give them a good rub. So why not enhance this quick massage with 1,500 of full-spectrum CBD, lidocaine, menthol, and arnica? This waxy balm warms in your hands before delivering cool, penetrating relief to your throbbing knees. 

FAQ About Using CBD For Knee Pain

Are there side effects for using CBD for bad knees? 

Applied topically, CBD oil is a very safe and natural treatment for pain and inflammation, regardless of whether you apply it to knees or other aching body parts. The most common side effect of CBD is drowsiness, which is mostly associated with sublingual (under-the-tongue) intake of unnecessarily large dosages. 

Although negative side effects are very rare, it is a good idea to start with a small amount on a patch of skin before using it more extensively on the knees (advice that applies to any new topical treatment).

Overall, CBD oil has been seen time and time again to offer good relief for chronic knee pain. If you have experienced liver or kidney damage or are taking other prescription medications, it is always a good idea to speak with your physician before trying any new treatment. 

Will CBD eradicate my bad knee pain, entirely?

Although arthritis is the main cause of chronic knee pain, other conditions can also contribute or lead to knee issues. Degenerative conditions, injuries, infections, and also tendinitis are common causes of knee pain. CBD oil is good for bad knees by reducing the inflammation and pain associated with any of these conditions. However, every person is different in terms of the level of relief they will experience. 

CBD may not entirely eradicate knee pain, but for some individuals, it can provide moderate relief, especially combined with other treatments or medications. Although CBD should not be a substitute for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis and other causes of knee pain, it can definitely be an added and necessary element to achieving a better quality of life. 

Can I fly with CBD? 

Ready to pack for your travel plans? Well go ahead and pack your CBD oil for your bad knees! In the United States, you can legally fly with CBD as long as it does not contain more than 0.3% THC. Hemp-derived and CBD oil that meet the FDA’s regulations as mentioned above are allowed on all flights. If traveling to other countries, CBD is generally allowed but you should check the specific FDA-approved list for that country just to make sure.  

How long will it take for me to feel the CBD working for my knee pain?

Each person has a different response to CBD oil for knee pain. It is likely that you will experience less inflammation and decreased pain within the first 30-45 minutes. If you use a treatment like those featured in our CBD pain relief products, complementary ingredients like lidocaine and menthol can be felt within a minute or two (if not sooner).

CBD oil is not an overnight fix for your knee pain’s underlying issues but, if used consistently over time, the benefits can allow pain and inflammation to subside and assist in returning to daily life activities. Most people notice some relief shortly after starting to use CBD oil on their painful knees, with more significant effects often occurring after about two weeks of consistent use. 

Can I use CBD along with other pain relieving medications for my knee?

Although many people use topical CBD along with other medications for knee pain, it is always important to check with your doctor before starting any new treatments. It is unlikely that topical use of CBD oil for bad knees will negatively interfere with medications, but the reason it should be discussed is because of possible interactions with liver enzymes. A large number of medications, including CBD, use the same family of liver enzymes to break them down. Therefore, it is always important to consult with your physician before starting any new treatments. 

Are older people at a higher risk for CBD drug interactions?

The short and non-complicated answer is, in general, yes they are. Due to the natural progression of aging, the liver and kidneys tend to become slower at eliminating medications from the body. Older patients and those with chronic health issues are more likely to be taking multiple medications and should therefore speak to a physician before adding any new treatment. 

Key Takeaways About Whether CBD is Good for Bad Knee Pain

The knee joint is one of the most complex joints in the body and impacts day-to-day life in every imaginable way. The good news is that you don’t have to be trapped in chronic pain. While CBD won't fix the underlying issue of your bad knees, it can play a noticeable role in reducing on ongoing aches and discomfort.

Research proves what our customers have told us time and time again: CBD helps improve the markers of pain, inflammation, and nerve damage in many studies. Physical function can improve as well as sleep from decreased pain. You and your bad knees have nothing to lose… other than pain! 

By Emily Wegener

With a unique background as an Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Masters Degree in Teaching and experience in Psychology, Emily spends much of her time researching and trying out new holistic healing modalities.