CBD for Peripheral Neuropathy: How Does It Work?

Good foot health is absolutely imperative for anyone who leads an active lifestyle. Composed of 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 ligaments, muscles, and tendons, the feet are sophisticated structures that provide support, help to promote proper balance, and impact wellness. On that note, it’s important to take care of your trotters!

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that boasts anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties, is emerging as an aid for foot care. Before CBD oil gets into action inside the body, it first reacts with the body’s internal endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce a wide range of effects, including potential relief from peripheral neuropathic pain.

Cannabis may be an acceptable alternative to other potential pain relievers (like opioids) for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain. Since the side effects of CBD are mild to nonexistent, it serves as a welcome choice for people with sensory, motor, or autonomic nerve impairment.

Causes of Peripheral Neuropathic Pain

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves found outside of the brain and spinal cord—otherwise known as the peripheral nerves—become negatively inflicted. Alternatively, this chronic condition may occur when the nervous system becomes damaged. Many people who endure peripheral neuropathic pain will complain of an electric shock-type feeling.

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), 20 million people are diagnosed with peripheral neuropathic pain. The majority of cases cause pain, numbness, weakness, burning, or shooting pains in the feet. Spontaneous pain of this kind tends to arise without a primary cause. The uncomfortable condition might also prompt circulation, digestion, and urination problems.

Diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy, with over 70% of diabetes patients developing painful symptoms. Blood sugar should be managed to reduce the risk of diabetes and diabetic neuropathy. Aside from diabetes, various other things may cause peripheral neuropathy, such as toxin exposure, chemotherapy, alcoholism, lack of vitamin B12, traumatic injury, and various types of nerve-damaging medication. If a doctor is unable to figure out the cause, it is known as “idiopathic neuropathy.”

How Does CBD for Neuropathy Work?

Oil-based CBD-infused topical creams work by blocking pain signals that are released from the damaged nerves. As a result, a person using CBD for neuropathy feels less discomfort. This is particularly true since CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory. Based on the results of a 2016 study on rodent models of arthritis, topical CBD successfully reduced pain and inflammation.

Furthermore, a more recent randomized controlled trial that was carried out in 2020 found that topical CBD solutions containing 250 milligrams CBD per 3 fluid ounces may offer relief for people who suffer from peripheral neuropathy. The study authors assessed 29 patients with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy, 15 of whom were treated with CBD and 14 of whom received a placebo.

By analyzing the Neuropathic Pain Scale (NPS), the research team learned that transdermal CBD application can drastically reduce pain and other unpleasant sensations associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Making a CBD Foot Soak From Home

Although you could visit a specialist spa—many CBD-focused spas are cropping up across the world right now, with Europe’s first establishment of this kind opening in Switzerland recently—the convenience of making a CBD foot soak from home may prove difficult to resist. When the soak is followed by a generous slathering of CBD-enriched oil, there really is no better way to indulge your hard-working feet.

So, how do you make a CBD foot soak from home? Begin by filling your chosen vessel with cold or warm water. Next, add a water-soluble CBD product, such as CBD-infused bath salts or bath bombs. These products work by fizzing when they hit the water, which results in the product’s infused essential oils and scent being released into the skin. Finally, prepare some snacks and enjoy!

Final Takeaway

Paying attention to what you eat could drastically reduce your chances of developing peripheral neuropathy in the first place. After all, as the old saying goes, “you are what you eat.” That being said, you ought to steer clear of foods that contain refined grains, high amounts of sugar, and artificial sweeteners since these foods can amplify nerve pain.

Studies like this one have demonstrated that an active lifestyle fueled by a low-fat diet that is rich in whole foods can positively influence neuropathy. Combine that with the use of CBD, and you can guarantee that your feet will thank you!