CBD for Tendonitis: Benefits and Usage
Summary
Tendonitis is a common condition caused by inflammation in tendons that connect muscle to bone. Tendonitis can cause chronic pain and reduced mobility, so it can significantly impact your ability to get around day-to-day. In the worst cases, tendonitis can lead to tendon ruptures or tearing, which can have permanent debilitating effects.
CBD has become a popular alternative treatment to manage tendonitis symptoms thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD may also regulate pain signals by controlling neural activity. These two considerations make CBD an object of interest to those looking to manage tendonitis pain.
In this article, we cover the research and purported benefits of taking CBD for tendonitis.
What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol (CBD) has increasingly become popular in health circles thanks to evidence of its purported medical benefits. CBD – the non-psychoactive component of the marijuana plant – is a common supplement used to manage conditions like pain, asthma, arthritis, and more.
Since CBD is federally legal and easy to obtain, many people with tendonitis have turned to it to manage their pain. Today, the team at SUPA Naturals put together this article on the central question: Can CBD for tendonitis reduce pain and inflammation in affected areas?
Understanding Tendonitis
Tendons are an important bodily structure that connects bones and muscles, allowing your body to move and support its weight. Tendons consist of collagen fibers that can tear and become inflamed, causing tendonitis. Tendonitis can develop in any tendon, but it is most common in parts of the body that see repeated use, such as the hands, hips, shoulders, knees, elbows, and wrist.
Tendonitis is typically a result of stress from repetitive motion, though it can result from trauma, injury, or infection. Activities such as tennis, gardening, typing, painting, and scrubbing can increase your tendonitis risk.
Common names for tendonitis include:
- Tennis elbow
- Golfers elbow
- Pitcher’s shoulder
- Jumper’s knee
- Swimmer’s shoulder
The most common symptoms of tendonitis include localized swelling, tenderness, and dull chronic pain. The affected area is most often near joints like the knees, elbows, and wrists. About 3% of the general population report experiencing tendonitis, most commonly in adults over 40 years old.
Managing Tendonitis
Tendonitis is rarely a serious condition and usually does not require emergency medical treatment. Typical management includes rest, stretching, heat treatments, and other kinds of physical therapy in conjunction with anti-inflammatory drugs.
In rare cases, a doctor may have to perform surgery to fix tendon damage and reduce pain/inflammation. One surgical option is ultrasonic treatment, in which the surgeon will remove scar tissue using high-frequency sound waves. Another common surgical option is stimulating tendon healing with needle therapy.
Tendonitis on its own is usually not serious. However, if left unmanaged, the repeated strain can lead to tendon rupture or tearing. If your tendons tear, you will need surgery to fix the damage. Ruptured tendons can lead to lifelong complications, so it is important to manage tendonitis symptoms early.
Tendonitis can also lead to a degenerative condition called tendinosis. As the tendon loses collagen cells, it can become hard and brittle. Tendonitis is a much more serious condition than tendonitis and can require surgery to shorten and realign tendons.
Can CBD Manage Tendonitis Symptoms?
Tendonitis is not usually a serious condition, but management can be difficult. Common anti-inflammatory drugs can cause undesirable side effects, and physical therapy alone may not sufficiently reduce pain.
As such, more and more people are turning to CBD to manage pain and other symptoms of tendonitis. CBD has several interesting properties that make it useful for managing tendonitis.
CBD Has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Inflammation is the major cause of tendonitis and results from white blood cells flooding tissues with lymph and other chemicals. The increased blood flow enlarges tissue and presses on nearby nerves, causing a dull, aching pain. This is one reason anti-inflammatory drugs are a standard treatment regimen for tendonitis.
Studies have shown that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce inflammation from tissue damage. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to produce macrophages that absorb the proteins that cause inflammation in the body. Mice studies have shown that CBD can significantly reduce swelling and increase blood flow in affected areas.
The use of CBD to manage inflammation in humans currently requires more study. However, there is a fair amount of observational evidence linking regular CBD usage to reduced inflammation.
CBD Can Regulate Pain Signals
CBD interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors in the nervous system and plays a role in several homeostatic processes. The ECS consists of two types of receptors: CB1 and CB2. CBD and other endocannabinoids produced their effects by binding to these receptors.
A large amount of evidence suggests that cannabinoid receptors affect pain thresholds by controlling neuronal activity and non-neural tissues. Moreover, there is evidence that CB1 receptors affect afferent nerves, which play a crucial role in the pain signaling process.
CBD Has Relaxing Properties
Unlike its popular cousin THC, CBD does not produce strong psychoactive effects. However, CBD can evoke general feelings of relaxation and calmness. Many people who take CBD report lower feelings of stress and anxiety.
Chronic pain from tendonitis can increase anxiety and stress. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and anti-pain properties, CBD can reduce anxiety and stress resulting from your injury.
Moreover, CBD is safe and non-addictive. It does not create physiological dependency, and it is not associated with any serious side effects. Adults can take large quantities of CBD with minimal negative effects.
It is important to note that CBD is not medicine, and it will not cure your tendonitis. CBD is not FDA-approved to treat tendonitis, and there is no evidence that it can cure any disease or medical condition. Most importantly, CBD is not a substitute for professional medical care. You should always consult your doctor first before trying CBD.
However, there is good reason to believe that CBD can help reduce pain and inflammation in affected areas. There is evidence that, in conjunction with traditional medical treatments, using CBD for tendonitis can reduce associated symptoms.
Types of CBD for Tendonitis
As CBD has grown in popularity, companies keep expanding their product offerings. There are three main types of CBD:
- Broad-spectrum
- Full-spectrum
- Isolates
Broad-spectrum blends contain CBD and other cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN). Full-spectrum blends contain cannabinoids and THC, as well as other plant materials like terpenes and essential oils. Full-spectrum extracts contain THC, but it is usually not enough to produce psychoactive effects.
When taken in conjunction, different cannabinoids act synergistically to augment each other’s effects, a phenomenon known as “the entourage effect.” The cumulative nature of CBD is one reason why many people prefer full and broad-spectrum blends.
CBD Isolates contain only CBD and no other cannabinoids, fatty acids, or terpenes. Most isolates come in powder form, though some companies offer oil-based isolates. Isolates are a good option for those who do not want to ingest THC or other cannabinoids.
It is crucial to research the types of CBD to find something that works for you. For example, broad-spectrum blends would be a good choice for those who want to manage pain and promote relaxation. Isolates, in contrast, would be a good choice for someone who only wants inflammatory relief.
How Do You Take CBD for Tendonitis?
CBD can affect the body differently depending on the amount and method of ingestion. So, one of the most important parts of CBD is finding the right way to take it. Factors to consider when determining dosage include:
- Bodyweight
- THC/CBD tolerance
- Metabolism
- Symptom severity
- Prescription medicines
When in doubt, consult your doctor. They can help you determine the correct amounts and method of ingestion. A doctor can also monitor your health for adverse pharmacological interactions between CBD and prescription medications.
Some of the more popular ways to consume CBD include:
Edibles
Edibles are often the simplest option for ingesting CBD and come in several forms, such as cookies, brownies, gummies, and other candies. CBD edibles are a common choice for beginners because they do not require inhalation, and it is easy to establish dosages.
It takes about one to two hours to feel the effects of CBD edibles. This might be too long for some people, but edibles are a discreet and portable way to enjoy CBD.
Topicals
Topical CBD includes creams and lotions you can apply directly to your skin. Your body absorbs the CBD through your bloodstream, and many CBD topicals include essential oils and other substances good for the skin.
Topicals are one of the most popular CBD options for tendonitis because they provide localized pain relief where they are applied. Simply rub it into the affected area, and you will feel the effects within minutes. Topicals are a good option for those who do not want to ingest CBD orally.
Tinctures
Tinctures are blends of CBD and alcohol that you can ingest orally under your tongue. Tinctures are a popular choice because they act quickly, have a wide range of potencies, and mix with many foods and drinks. Most tinctures contain substances for flavoring, such as lemon or vanilla.
Tincture blends use various carrier oils like glycerin or MCT oil. Further, most tinctures come with an eyedropper tool, making it easy to measure doses. Tinctures range in potency from 100mg to over 1,000mg.
Tips for Picking the Right CBD for Tendonitis
Make sure to consider the following factors when buying CBD for tendonitis.
CO2 Extraction
CBD manufacturers use two main methods to extract CBD from hemp: solvent and CO2 extraction. Carbon extraction is the superior option because it does not produce harmful products and will not overheat the extract. CO2 extraction is the gold standard for CBD production, so be sure to choose only brands that use this method.
Lab Tests
Unfortunately, the CBD landscape is rife with scams and fake products. The FDA does not currently regulate the manufacturing or selling CBD products, so there is a risk of buying fake products.
Reputable brands provide third-party lab reports attesting to the purity and quality of their products. Without lab tests, you won’t know for sure your products are safe. Third-party labs check for blend purity and contaminants, such as pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microorganisms.
Organic Hemp
The highest-quality CBD is made from non-GMO organic hemp. Organic hemp produces the cleanest oils and does not contain any harmful chemicals or pesticides. Most manufacturers provide information on where they source their materials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can CBD help with symptoms of tendonitis?
Preliminary research indicates that CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate pain signals. There is good reason to believe that CBD has therapeutic potential for various pain conditions. Further, many users report that CBD can effectively relieve pain and inflammation.
What is the best way to take CBD for tendonitis?
It depends on your personal preferences, but CBD topicals are typically a good choice for tendonitis because you can apply them directly to the affected areas. Topicals also work quickly, so they provide more-or-less instant relief.
How much CBD should I take for tendonitis?
The FDA does not regulate CBD, so there are no official dosage recommendations. You will need to research products online while considering your weight and metabolism.
CBD for Tendonitis: Final Words
CBD research is still in its infancy, and more human studies are needed. However, preliminary evidence paints an optimistic picture about the effectiveness of CBD for various conditions. The best part is that CBD is legal in all 50 states, so you can buy it no matter where you live.
SUPA Naturals offers premier CBD products to help our customers live the fullest life possible. Our goal is to help people around the world enjoy the therapeutic and recreational benefits of CBD. If you have any questions about CBD for tendonitis or would like to speak to a representative, send us a message online, and we will get back to you as soon as possible!
