%20(18).png)
Knee pain can have a major impact on daily life.
Walking, running, taking the stairs instead of the lift or getting our 10,000 steps a day – our knees play a crucial role in keeping us on our feet and staying healthy.
We all know the importance of movement when it comes to a healthy lifestyle, but painful knees can have a real impact on our daily life and keeping active.
If your knees are painful, stiff or swollen and traditional painkillers aren’t helping with your symptoms, read on to find out how CBD and other forms of medical cannabis may help improve your symptoms and put a spring back in your step.
Since 2018, medical cannabis has been legally available on prescription through licensed clinics like Alternaleaf for 50+ conditions. You can find out if you’re eligible by completing the quick eligibility checker on our website. Below we’ll be exploring CBD for knee pain relief in the UK.
Understanding knee pain
Unfortunately, knee pain is very common. Approximately 19% of people in the UK report problems with their knees lasting for more than one week. Following back pain, knee discomfort is one of the most common types of musculoskeletal pain, which involves the muscles, joints, or bones.
So who is at risk of developing knee pain and what are the symptoms?
There are various factors which will affect your risk of developing knee pain. Getting older or gaining extra weight are both significant risk factors. The kind of work that you do or the sports you enjoy playing can also put extra strain on your knees and cause you pain. For example, a high impact sport which requires a lot of intense stopping and starting, like football, running or skateboarding will put a lot more pressure on your knees than a low impact sport such as swimming. Sustaining an injury or just overusing it can also cause knee pain, amongst other often forgotten causes, like poor posture.
There are also inflammatory conditions such as gout or arthritis which cause knee pain. In fact, the most common cause of knee pain in people over 45 is osteoarthritis.
People will experience knee pain in different ways but some of the common symptoms of chronic knee pain may include stiffness, swelling, redness and weakness, or a feeling of instability at the knee. These symptoms can be ongoing or just after you’ve been on your feet all day or exercised more than usual.
How can CBD help with knee pain?
CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from the whole cannabis plant – the flowers, leaves and stalks. Cannabinoids work at a receptor level to inhibit pain responses and there is some evidence that CBD oil may offer pain relief.
Studies have also shown that CBD may have useful pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties in arthritis.
However, it is important to note that CBD is just one cannabinoid of many contained within the cannabis plant. It does not contain THC, which is only available legally via a medical cannabis prescription. Patients suffering with chronic pain often require THC, or a combination of THC and CBD for further symptom relief. This is due to its analgesic properties and the way that it interacts with similar, but different receptors within the body.
Types of different CBD for knee pain
Most products containing CBD can be purchased over the counter and taken in different ways. For example:
• Topical creams and balms can be applied directly to the skin at the site of pain and discomfort
• Oral tinctures can be dropped under the tongue and capsules swallowed as with any pills
• Edibles and gummies
• Inhaled products, such as vape cartridges or disposable vape pens
One type of CBD product that is not available over the counter is CBD flower. This is a type of cannabis flower with a high percentage of CBD. This type of CBD is only available with a UK medical cannabis prescription, which can be accessed via a licensed clinic, like Alternaleaf. Private clinics are also able to prescribe products that contain a combination of both CBD and THC.
How to choose the right treatment for you
It is important to think about what, if any, medication you are already taking and to familiarise yourself with any potential side-effects or interactions that may be relevant for you if you are considering CBD oil as a potential treatment for your knee pain. It’s also important to discuss any changes to your current treatment plan with your doctor, to prevent any negative interactions between existing medication that you may be taking.
As with all forms of medical cannabis, sticking to the “start low and go slow” method of introducing CBD is always recommended so that you can check for any unwanted effects.
FAQ's
Can I get CBD for knee pain legally in the UK?
Yes. CBD products are available over the counter. But, keep in mind these aren’t strictly monitored. You can purchase CBD products from Alternaleaf’s Pharmacy, Montu Pharmacy. And because they’re non-prescription products, you can order them without a prescription, but still trust the source you’re purchasing from.
But, it may be better to seek the help of a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf.
Medical cannabis, containing both THC and CBD, has been legal in the UK since 1st November 2018 when prescribed by a specialist doctor. It’s monitored, trusted and personalised to you and your symptoms. To be eligible, you’ll need a diagnosis for a qualifying condition (in this case chronic knee pain), and to have been offered at least two conventional treatments for this condition. This can include medication, talking therapy, physiotherapy, surgery and anything else prescribed by your GP. See if you qualify.
Which form of CBD is best for knee pain?
The best CBD product for knee pain depends on how quickly you need relief and your personal preference. We’ve explored these above, but as a reminder, below are a few options:
- CBD Edibles & Capsules: Ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD Oils/Tinctures: Cannabis oil for knee inflammation is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Directly targets localised pain and inflammation.
- Inhaling: CBD vapes are good for immediate relief.
How fast does CBD start working for joint pain relief?
This depends on the method of consumption and the individual. Remember everyone is different, but as a general guide:
- CBD Edibles & Capsules: Ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD Oils/Tinctures: Cannabis oil for knee inflammation is ideal for longer-lasting relief.
- CBD Topicals (Creams, Balms, Patches): Directly targets localised pain and inflammation.
- Inhaling: CBD vapes are good for immediate relief.
How much CBD should I consume for knee or arthritis pain?
Your clinician is the best person to advise you on how to use CBD for joint pain. Everyone is different, and CBD dosage for knee pain can vary depending on things like body weight, pain severity, metabolism, and product type. Read the instructions on the pack, as there should be a general guide on how much to consume based on your level of pain and how long you need relief for. We always recommend starting low and going slow.
Is CBD more effective than THC for chronic knee pain?
Although CBD has the potential to relieve chronic knee pain, THC also has the potential to be effective. However, higher levels of THC would require a medical cannabis prescription, which you can get through a licensed clinic like Alternaleaf.
But there’s no need to compare CBD vs THC for arthritis pain or knee pain. Instead, a combination of active compounds like THC, CBD, terpenes (the part of any plant that produces the smell) and flavonoids, can sometimes work together to produce better effects, due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
What are the side effects of using CBD for knee pain?
CBD is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, but side effects are possible and can include:
- Skin irritation, a rash or allergic reaction. We recommend patch testing a small area of skin before use.
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Gastrointestinal issues, like nausea, diarrhea, or an upset stomach
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Dizziness
In summary
As we’ve seen, knee pain is a widespread and debilitating condition. There is some evidence to support the pain-relieving properties of CBD oil and other medical cannabis products and cannabinoids which may offer symptom relief for people with knee pain.
The best thing to do is speak to your clinician, or seek the help of a licensed medical cannabis clinic like Alternaleaf if you’d like to find out more about how medical cannabis could help manage your knee pain. Find out if you’re eligible by heading to our website and completing our 30 second eligibility checker.