CBD Oil vs Cream for Joint Pain

By: Katelyn Manuel

PUBLISHED: November 11, 2024 UPDATED: December 10, 2024

A man with a white shirt puts on R&R CBD Pain Cream

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 59 million Americans have joint pain attributable to arthritis. If you are among these people, you are probably looking for ways to manage the pain and discomfort.

Well, good news! CBD has emerged as a natural, cost-effective method of relieving aching joints. In oil or cream form, CBD may provide systemic or localized relief for joint discomfort.

However, it is crucial to understand each product's unique properties to decide which one suits you better. So, in this article, we explore the characteristics of CBD oil and CBD cream, their potential benefits for joint pain, and how to choose the right product for you.

Key Takeaways

CBD oil is ideal for systemic relief from widespread joint pain, while CBD cream is suitable for immediate but shorter-lasting relief from localized pain.
CBD may help alleviate joint pain by reducing inflammation and modulating pain signals through its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
For comprehensive relief, CBD oil may be preferable; for targeted, immediate relief on specific joints, CBD cream is likely more effective.

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is a natural extract derived from hemp. The main ingredient in the oil is CBD, a non-psychoactive compound. Unlike THC, another well-known cannabinoid, CBD does not produce a "high" or alter your state of mind.

CBD oil is ideally taken sublingually (under the tongue) or orally for systemic effects. When consumed this way, CBD is absorbed into the bloodstream and interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain and inflammation, among other functions.

Examples of CBD Oil Products

CBD oil is available in various forms, each with its advantages and methods of consumption:

CBD oil tinctures: These liquid extracts often have a dropper for precise dosing. Tinctures may be flavored and taken sublingually or added to food and beverages.
CBD oil capsules: For those who prefer a tasteless, convenient option, CBD oil capsules provide a pre-measured dose of CBD and are swallowed like a pill.
CBD oil sprays: Similar to tinctures, CBD oil sprays are designed for sublingual use. They offer a discreet and portable way to consume CBD on the go.

How Does CBD Oil Work for Joint Pain?

When taken sublingually or orally, CBD oil is absorbed into the bloodstream and interacts with the ECS. The ECS is a neuromodulatory system that helps regulate various bodily functions, including pain perception, inflammation, and immune response.

The human body can heal itself in most cases. However, you can effectively speed up the process by supercharging the ECS with phytocannabinoids like CBD.

CBD is shown to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may help reduce joint pain and stiffness associated with conditions like arthritis. So, by interacting with the ECS, CBD may help modulate pain signaling and reduce inflammation in the affected joints.

How Does CBD Cream Work for Joint Pain?

Like other topicals, CBD cream is applied directly on the skin over the painful joint, allowing it to penetrate the skin and interact with local cannabinoid receptors. This targeted application provides localized relief and helps to reduce discomfort.

When applied topically, CBD cream helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve joint mobility. The cream's moisturizing properties can also help soothe and nourish the skin around the affected joint.

Choosing Between CBD Oil and CBD Cream for Joint Pain

CBD oils and creams have potential benefits for joint pain and inflammation, so knowing which product type to use often comes down to:

Type of joint pain: CBD oil may be more suitable if you have widespread joint pain or multiple affected joints, as it provides systemic relief. For localized pain, CBD cream can offer targeted relief.
Onset and duration of effects: CBD oil takes longer to kick in (30-60 minutes) but provides longer-lasting relief (4-6 hours). CBD cream typically offers immediate relief but may require reapplication every few hours.
Personal preferences: Some people prefer the convenience and ease of applying a cream, while others find CBD oil more discreet and suitable for their lifestyle.

It is vital to choose high-quality CBD products from reputable brands that provide third-party lab test results to ensure purity and potency.

Benefits of CBD for Joint Pain

An old man sits on a sofa, holding his knee as if he's feeling pain

CBD has shown promise as a natural alternative for managing joint pain, offering several potential benefits that may help improve your quality of life.

Reduces Inflammation

Inflammation is a common cause of joint pain and stiffness, particularly in conditions like arthritis. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling in affected joints, easing discomfort and promoting better joint function.

Studies show that CBD interacts with the ECS, regulating immune responses and reducing inflammation. By targeting the inflammatory pathways involved in joint pain, CBD may help alleviate symptoms and slow down the progression of certain joint conditions.

Provides Pain Relief

In addition, CBD also has analgesic properties that can help relieve joint pain. Its interaction with the ECS helps to modulate pain perception, reducing the intensity of pain signals sent to the brain.

Research suggests CBD may particularly be effective for managing chronic pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. By doing so, CBD helps improve your overall comfort and makes it easier to engage in daily activities.

Improves Mobility

Joint pain and stiffness can significantly impact mobility, making it difficult to move around and perform everyday tasks. Fortunately, CBD may help improve joint mobility and flexibility.

With less pain and stiffness, engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy range of motion in your joints is easier. This can be particularly beneficial for those with arthritis, as regular movement and exercise are important for managing symptoms and preventing further joint damage.

Choosing the Right CBD Product for Your Joint Pain

When selecting a CBD product for joint pain, consider the severity and location of your discomfort, as well as your preferences and lifestyle.

If you have widespread joint pain or multiple affected areas, CBD oil may be the better choice. Taken sublingually or orally, CBD oil is absorbed into the bloodstream and provides systemic relief throughout the body. This can be helpful against rheumatoid arthritis, which often involves pain and inflammation in several joints.

On the other hand, if your joint pain is localized, CBD cream is more suitable. Applied directly to the skin, the cream targets local cannabinoid receptors to provide focused relief. This method suits conditions like osteoarthritis, where pain and stiffness are often concentrated in a particular joint.

Our 1000mg CBD Pain Cream is the perfect introduction to topical CBD relief. Designed for minor aches and strains, it reduces pain and inflammation, allowing you to return to your lifestyle without hesitation.*

Once you’ve experienced the benefits of our Regular-Strength Cream, you can graduate to our Extra and Maximum-Strength options to experience even more relief.*

Another factor to consider is the onset and duration of effects. When taken orally. CBD oil typically takes longer to take effect (30-60 minutes) but provides longer-lasting relief (4-6 hours). CBD cream, on the other hand, may offer immediate relief but requires reapplication every few hours.

So, if you want sustained effects, our Multifunctional CBD Tinctures are the go-to. They are available in full- and broad-spectrum versions with varying concentrations of CBD to suit varying health needs. You can also opt for the Flavored (Fresh Mint) or Unflavored version to tailor the experience to your liking.

Generally, the right CBD product for joint pain depends on your needs and preferences. For most people, combining CBD oil and cream works best, with the oil providing overall relief and the cream offering targeted support.

Tips for Using CBD for Joint Pain

Here are our expert-vetted tips to get the most out of your CBD product:

Start with a low dose to find the minimum effective dose for your pain without experiencing unwanted side effects.
Be consistent with your dosing: Taking CBD regularly, rather than sporadically, helps maintain stable levels in your body and provides more consistent relief.
Use high-quality, third-party tested products: Look for CBD products that have been tested for purity and potency to ensure you get a safe and effective product.
Combine CBD with other natural remedies: CBD can be used with other joint-friendly supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids for added benefits.
Practice healthy life habits: In addition to using CBD, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and practicing good posture can all help support joint health and reduce pain.

CBD Oil vs Cream: Which Is Better for Joint Pain?

When it comes to managing joint pain with CBD, you have two main options: CBD oil and CBD cream. Both products offer unique benefits and can help relieve discomfort, but they work differently in the body.

CBD oil is taken sublingually or orally to provide body-wide effects. This makes it a good choice for widespread joint pain or multiple affected joints.

Conversely, CBD cream is applied directly to the skin over the painful joint for targeted relief. This makes CBD cream ideal for specific painful joints or localized areas of discomfort.

Ultimately, the choice between CBD oil and cream for joint pain depends on your preferences, the location and severity of the joint pain, and the desired onset of effects. Some people prefer the convenience and applicational ease of creams, while others find CBD oil more discreet.

If you are just getting started with CBD, we recommend getting guidance from a healthcare provider, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking medications. They can help you determine the best approach for managing joint pain and the appropriate CBD dose for your condition.

How to Use CBD for Joint Pain

When using CBD for joint pain, it is crucial to choose the right product. Look for high-quality CBD oil or cream from reputable brands. These products should contain appropriate CBD concentrations to help you achieve the relief you seek.

Also, finding the correct dose is not an exact science, so start with a low dose and increase it slowly over time until you achieve the desired results. We recommend increasing the dose weekly (after 7 days).

Consistency is the key to reaping CBD’s potential health benefits. For best results, apply CBD cream or take CBD oil regularly as a daily routine. Be patient, as it may take some time to notice significant improvements. Stick to the prescribed dose for several weeks to allow the CBD to build up in your system and provide optimal relief.

Remember, everyone responds differently to CBD, so what works for one person may not work for another. Don't be afraid to experiment with different application methods until you find the combination that best addresses your pain.

Tracking your progress is a helpful way to determine the effectiveness of your CBD regimen for joint pain. Keep a journal to monitor changes in pain levels, stiffness, and mobility over time.

This information can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about adjusting your CBD regimen to optimize its benefits for your joint health.

Helpful Resources for Joint Pain Relief

Understanding your options can help you make the best choice for managing discomfort. Learn more about which is better for joint pain: CBD oil or cream and how each option works.

If you're interested in broader benefits, check out how CBD helps muscle pain to see how CBD may support overall pain management.

These articles provide valuable insights to help you make informed decisions about CBD and joint health. If you have questions, we’re happy to help.

Final Thoughts

At R&R CBD, our mission is to help you quickly and naturally regain control of your well-being so you can live life to the fullest. By offering the highest-quality CBD on the market, we’re putting a holistic solution into your hands that can make your life better.*

Our CBD extract, always third-party tested, preserves terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients to make our products unmatched in efficacy. Our world-class team of scientists, doctors, chemists, and others develop our unique products, which we gladly share with the world.

Whether you want help overcoming sleeping problems, chronic or acute pain, or dealing with anxiety and stress, our CBD can work for you.*

CBD Oil vs Cream for Joint Pain: Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD Slow Motility?

CBD has been shown to influence the ECS and may help reduce gastrointestinal motility in cases of disorders like IBS.

Is CBD Clinically Proven to Work?

CBD is not clinically proven to work for all conditions, as research is still ongoing. However, numerous studies and anecdotal evidence support its effectiveness in managing pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and certain types of inflammation.

Does CBD Work for Joint Pain?

CBD may help relieve joint pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Many users report improvements in joint pain, especially for conditions like arthritis, though individual experiences may vary.

Scientific research also supports the potential of CBD as a natural alternative for pain relief, but more clinical studies are needed to establish its efficacy conclusively.

What Is the Best Form of CBD for Joint Pain?

The best form of CBD for joint pain depends on needs and preferences. Topical applications can be applied directly to the affected area for localized relief. Tinctures, gummies, and capsules offer a systemic approach by working internally.

Each form has its benefits, and the choice largely depends on the severity of the pain and how quickly relief is desired.