CBD Creams for Runners - Tips & Best Products

There is no doubt that running can be tough on your body. It is one of those sports that gets a bad rap for causing notorious injuries and aches, whether that be knee pain, shin splints, sore muscles, pulled hamstrings, strained tendons, aching feet . . . the list goes on. 

For individuals who aren’t yet ready to hang up their running shoes there are solutions to minimizing soreness and helping with recovery, starting with CBD. CBD is a safe, legal, and natural pain relief option providing runners with an effective tool for healing and preventing future injuries.

Help Combat Running-Related Pain with CBD Creams & Serums

Whether you are new to running or a veteran of the sport, getting sidelined with an injury is the last thing you want. Below, experts list the most common issues for runners, all which can be semi-alleviated with CBD. 

Shin Splints 

Shin splints refer to the pain and discomfort a runner feels on either side of the shin bone, called the tibia. When muscles and tendons pull too hard on or around the tibia, shin splints can occur. The sensitivity and pain associated with this issue is caused by inflammation, and no runner wants to deal with reoccurring shin pain.

Runner’s Knee

Studies show that up to 50% of running injuries occur in the knees. Patellofemoral pain syndrome, known asrunner’s knee, refers to the pain experienced in the front of the knee and around the kneecap. Debilitating is an understatement when describing this type of reoccurring pain for runners.

Planter Fasciitis 

Inflammation of the thick band of tissues along the bottom of the foot is known as planter fasciitis. This running injury is described as a sharp stab or deep ache in the heel. Despite being an inflammatory condition, planter fasciitis rarely responds to treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs.  

Stress Fractures

A stress fracture is a small crack or break in the bone usually caused by repetitive action or force rather than from a single traumatic event, like a fall. This usually occurs when muscles become fatigued and are unable to absorb added shock. Running form, bone density, poor nutrition, and overuse of running shoes are just a few of the common contributing factors causing stress fractures. 

Sore Muscles

Muscle soreness is characterized by a tired or tight feeling while exercising, an achy feeling while at rest, or tenderness when touching the muscles. Runners can experience this during exercise, typically lasting up to 72 hours.  

Leave running-related pain on the curbside using CBD

Give yourself what you need to recover with top-quality CBD creams and pain products for runner's knee, shin splints, and all the other related injuries. CBD, or cannabidiol, has become increasingly popular as a natural alternative to achieving pain relief. As a viable alternative to regular over-the-counter and prescription painkillers, CBD can target specific problem areas to help decrease recovery time, relax muscles, and allow you to sleep during the night throughout your training regime. 

Speeding up muscle repair is one of the main benefits of using topical CBD creams and  products as an runner. Providing natural pain relief and reduction of muscle aches, CBD for joggers is an obvious choice. The human body includes TRPV1 receptors that bind to cannabidiol when ingested or placed on the skin. The natural result of CBD absorption is the soothing effect of reduced inflammation, pain relief, and decreased swelling. A leading treatment in effectively managing runner’s knee and other joint pain, CBD inhibits certain neurotransmitters in your brain thus providing physical and neurological benefits. 

What is the best CBD cream for runners?

Topical Application 

The two most common ways runners use CBD are orally and through topical application. Contrasting with one another based on bioavailability - your body’s absorption - they both work to alleviate a variety of running injuries. By understanding their differences you can better decide if topical CBD or oral CBD is right for you.

Applied externally to a specific part of the body, CBD creams and other types of topicals are a safe and effective way for runners to relieve muscle soreness and pain due to bad knees, shin splints, tendinitis, and other running discomforts. Direct absorption into the affected area and instant results are among the reasons runners choose this form of CBD. On the flip side, topical CBD creams, lotions, and muscle balms do not possess high bioavailability, so sublingual use may be more effective in some cases. 

The beauty of CBD pain products is their versatility—they can be used before, during, and after your run for effective relief. For the ultimate post-run recovery, consider treating yourself to a CBD-enriched massage that targets the specific muscle groups that hold you back. 

 

Under-the-Tongue

Sublingual CBD tinctures are placed underneath your tongue and held for 30 to 60 seconds before swallowing. Immediately absorbed into the bloodstream through the capillaries in your mouth, CBD quickly reaches the body’s cannabinoid receptors. This method has one of the highest bioavailability percentages in comparison to other CBD applications because the CBD molecules are sent straight into the bloodstream through the mucous membranes found in the mouth.

What about the quality?

Full-spectrum CBD contains all the phytochemicals that naturally occur within the cannabis plant including CBD, trace cannabinoids, and terpenes. By far the most potent form of CBD, full-spectrum also includes 0.3% or less of THC. Full-spectrum is your best bet to maximize the benefits of CBD by reducing pain, inflammation, and joint issues.

The importance of quality control when choosing CBD products is assisted with the right background information. Third-party testing documents exactly what is in a CBD product, including cannabinoids, THC levels, terpenes, pesticides, and heavy metal content. You can’t be too careful in choosing natural and sustainable CBD-sourced products.

The Best Botanika Life CBD Products for Runners’ Pain Relief

Ultra-Relief Muscle Pain Rub With CBD- A top product for runners, Botanika Life's Ultra-Relief Muscle Pain Rub contains 1,500 mg of full-spectrum CBD combined with soothing lidocaine. Powerful relief for muscles, joints, tendons, and more is experienced due to the naturally sourced ingredients including menthol and arnica.

CBD Pain Relief Roller - Looking for instant pain relief? The Botanika Life Pain Relief Roller includes lidocaine, menthol, arnica, and 1,000 mg of full-spectrum CBD. The mess-free pain roller and compact size allow you to access pain relief for sore muscles and aching joints wherever you find yourself on your running journey. 

Cryo Massage Roller - Supporting recovery pre and post-workout, the Botanika Life Cryo Massage Roller is your go-to recuperation and prevention tool. Designed to relieve muscle pain, tightness, inflammation, and soreness from knots, runners can reduce inflammation and lactic acid build-up, aiding in recovery time.

 

CBD Bath Bombs- Botanika Life Natural Bath Bombs offer the luxury and rehabilitation your body desires after a running session. Providing the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of CBD, your body will feel renewed and restored with each bath soak.

 

Quick CBD Facts for Runners

To summarize how CBD can help runners perform to the best of their abilities, this power ingredient can . . . 

Increase Energy - Using CBD before a run can promote alertness and increase energy.

Enhance stamina - CBD can help athletes push themselves further for longer periods of time due to a consistent release of energy.

Training and recovery - Runners who use CBD see an improvement in both training and recovery time due to reduced inflammation. 

Sharpen focus - Promoting a relaxed state of mind, CBD provides enhanced concentration, clarity, and athletic confidence.

 

FAQ About Runners Using CBD Creams 

Are CBD creams legal? 

Throughout the entirity of the United States, CBD products are legal (as long as they contain less than 0.3% or less of THC. However, runners hoping to take their CBD creams abroad may need to research the specific country, as rules can vary dramatically. 

Are CBD creams permitted when running races?

The World Anti-Doping Agency does not consider CBD products against the rules for competitive runners. However, if participating in a competitive race, it's best to confirm the rules with the event's organizers.

What are other topical pain-relieving ingredients runners may like?

In addition to CBD, runners should seek creams that have lidocaine, menthol, arnica, and aloe, to name a few. All these ingredients numb the areas to which they're applied, lessening the ache shin splints, runner's knee, or sore muscles. Moreover, they act faster than CBD, making them the perfect add-on to CBD creams for runners.

 

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.