CBD (Cannabidiol) is hot on the rise these days. The amount of research surrounding CBD is constantly growing, and CBD for runners may be the next big thing.
Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can indeed be a great treatment tool for runner’s knee. Though it won’t necessarily eliminate the problem all on its own, CBD is an effective supplement that can help runners manage pain and heal faster.
CBD is great for runners in part because much of the pain that you may feel while running is often not due to visible injuries, but rather painful inflammation around the joints. Your joints absorb a lot of impact when you run, so your body may try to compensate by sending an increased amount of blood to the area, but it can have an adverse effect and cause pain. By reducing inflammation with careful and deliberate CBD use, you may find it easier to manage pain and get back to what you love doing sooner (please note that in the case of sports-related injuries it’s always best to consult a professional).
What Does CBD Do?
CBD comes from the hemp plant and is an ingredient derived from cannabis. This chemical compound is all-natural and used primarily for relaxation.
To explain the scientific approach, when entering the body, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system – a physiologic network that is scattered throughout the body and is in part in charge of wellness, and physiological functioning.
This system has receptors that recognize and respond to cannabinoids, aka, CBD.
Who Is CBD Good For?
Truthfully, CBD is showing benefits in many different areas. Sleep problems? CBD can help with that. Chronic pain? CBD can help with that too. Here’s a comprehensive list of the benefits of CBD:
- Reducing symptoms of anxiety
- Reducing symptoms of depression
- Pain relief
- Joint related pain relief
- Reducing inflammation
- Addiction management
- Reduction of skin conditions ie.
- Acne
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Chemotherapy relief
- Heart Health
- Lower Blood Pressure
- Insomnia relief
- Antioxidant booster
- PTSD symptom relief
For many of these reasons, CBD can be a great deal of relief to runners. We’ll get into more on that later. First, you might be wondering about the difference between CBD and its popular cousin marijuana.
Ways To Consume CBD
CBD is sold in a few different ways. The most popular methods include:
Additionally, CBD can sometimes be used in coffee, or edibles, though most states have more restrictions regarding CBD and food.
Those who wish to try CBD, especially CBD for runners, should make sure the brand they are purchasing from is transparent about their growth methods, and product descriptions.
Is CBD good for runners?
CBD for athletes has shown some promising research. Because of its pain-relieving properties, CBD can be an especially great choice for runners.
Inflammation reduction can also be a great way for a runner to recover from a workout or race. Because it’s all-natural, you don’t necessarily need to worry about it negatively affecting the body’s organs, as many anti-inflammatories can.
Additionally, unlike other anti-inflammatories, you have fewer limitations when it comes to CBD intake. You can adjust your dosage to suit your needs and even change it on a daily basis, if necessary, all while avoiding serious or unpleasant side effects. This is a massive benefit when you consider how many common pain medications have powerful, dangerous side effects.
(Though you can’t “overdose” in the traditional sense, you can consume “too much” CBD. Monitor your intake, and pay attention to the effects so that you can increase or decrease according to your needs. Click here for more information regarding dosage.)
Does CBD help runner’s knee?
Runner’s knee, or pain in the knees after running, is not caused by actual tissue damage, but rather inflamed tissues around the knee cap. Because CBD decreases inflammation, it is a risk-free way to find relief from pain.
CBD is proving to be a great supplement for athletes across the board. That said, CBD for runners’ knees is not necessarily a complete solution. CBD can act as more supplemental, temporary relief, but any major injuries or tears will need to be addressed by a doctor.
Though it can’t necessarily mend any damage or “cure” anyone, CBD is still a great tool for runner’s knee and can offer some relief. Seeing a doctor is still advisable so that you can ensure nothing else is contributing to your pain.
Running is tough on your joints in general, and much of the pain that you may experience is not from real injuries, but rather from inflammation in the tissues around your joints. Because CBD for inflammation is an effective strategy, it can offer some truly noteworthy relief.
Should I take CBD before I run?
If you consume CBD pre-workout, you may find that your workout goes better and feels easier. This is because CBD increases blood flow to the muscles and relieves pain associated with training.
You also might find that CBD boosts your mood, which can be very beneficial for exercise. Be aware of the fact that CBD can also lead you to feel more relaxed and tired, and its effects depend on the person, so it might not be best to try CBD for the first time before an important race.
If you’re already well aware of how CBD impacts you personally, it can be very smart to incorporate it into your workout routine.
Though pre-workout CBD use is a great option, we particularly recommend CBD post-workout. Muscle cramping, tightness, and pain are all common after a tough training session, and CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties makes it a great option for managing these discomforts.
Is CBD good for muscle recovery?
CBD won’t necessarily cause muscles to mend faster than they might otherwise, but it can help you avoid pain and inflammation as much as possible during muscle recovery.
It’s also possible for CBD to help the recovery process in more indirect ways than just pain management.
For instance, after a long workout or a muscle injury, the body needs lots of rest to recover and rebuild damaged tissue. CBD, especially products like CBD gummies designed for sleep, can help promote healthy sleep habits by reducing anxiety, promoting sleepiness, and helping you fall or stay asleep all night long. After a long workout, a good night’s sleep can be a fantastic time for recovery.
CBD might also increase your appetite and make it easier for you to consume all of the nutrients your body needs to get better. If you have a small appetite, try taking CBD then making yourself a big, healthy meal that will give your body the fuel it needs to heal.
Will CBD help plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis, or the inflammation of the band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes, is a common source of heel and foot pain, especially for athletes.
High-impact activity like running puts a lot of pressure and strain on the foot, and the body’s natural response to perceived injury or stressors is often inflammation. With plantar fasciitis, this inflammation can be acute or become a more chronic, recurring issue.
CBD’s ability to tackle inflammation head-on does indeed make it helpful while managing plantar fasciitis, but it won’t completely get rid of it on its own. If an individual fails to properly rest the area and give it the time it needs to recover, for instance, even the best CBD won’t be able to remedy the situation.
Using CBD as a supplement is the way to go in this case. It’s a great tool, but it shouldn’t be your only tool, especially because unaddressed plantar fasciitis can develop into more serious foot, leg, hip, or back problems.
The Market & CBD
Currently, CBD is legal but quite under-regulated by the FDA. For that reason, consumer reviews and third-party testing companies have been essential to the production and distribution of safe, reliable products.
For runners or any persons in need of CBD benefits, make sure to source your CBD from a reputable, distinguished company. If you aren’t sure where to start, we’ve compiled a list of the most trustworthy brands on the market. We’ve tried all of them ourselves and can recommend based on personal experience. Access our database for free here.
Are you a runner? Have you tried CBD for runners to improve your workout and recuperation process? Let us know in the comments below.
