Top 4 CBD Creams Easing Arthritis Ache in 2025
Current research on the effectiveness of CBD creams for arthritis inflammation and joint pain in humans indicates promising but still preliminary results.
Several studies and reviews suggest that topical CBD may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, but the evidence is not yet conclusive or comprehensive.
Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects are believed to be the key mechanisms through which CBD interacts with the body to potentially alleviate arthritis symptoms. CBD is thought to reduce pain and inflammation via interactions with vanilloid receptors that modulate pain signals [1][2].
Clinical findings are mixed, with some studies reporting positive results while others do not. A survey of 428 people with arthritis found 83% reported pain improvement and 66% reported better physical function and sleep after using CBD, though this was self-reported data without a controlled trial design [3]. However, a smaller clinical study involving 136 people with osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis using daily synthetic CBD (20-30 mg) did not find significant reductions in pain intensity [3]. Another study on peripheral neuropathy showed significant pain reduction with CBD cream compared to placebo, suggesting potential benefits for nerve-related pain which can accompany arthritis [1][4].
Topical CBD may offer targeted relief with fewer systemic effects, and anecdotal reports suggest feeling effects within 20 minutes of application. However, there is limited scientific data on how well CBD penetrates the skin barrier or the ideal dose and formulation for arthritis [2][4].
While CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects show promise, conventional medications like ibuprofen have more established safety profiles and efficacy data for arthritis-related symptoms. Patients are advised to consult healthcare professionals before substituting or combining CBD with other treatments [2].
Most users tolerate CBD well, but mild local skin reactions (such as stinging or burning) have been reported with topical use [3].
In summary, CBD creams may provide relief for arthritis inflammation and joint pain, but the current state of research is characterized by mostly small studies, self-reports, and preliminary trials with some conflicting results. More rigorous clinical trials with standardized dosing and formulations are necessary to establish efficacy, optimal usage, and long-term safety definitively [1][2][3][4].
The following products may be suitable for people with arthritis:
- Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream, priced at $75, contains CBD isolate, and has a potency of 1,500 mg.
- CBDistillery Oooh Distilled 500 mg CBD Balm, priced at $60, contains full-spectrum CBD, and has a potency of 500 mg.
- CBDfx Muscle and Joint Cooling Balm Stick, priced between $39 to $99.99, contains broad-spectrum CBD, and has potencies of 750 mg or 3,000 mg.
- Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream, priced at $89.99, contains full-spectrum CBD, and has a potency of 2,000 mg.
It's important to note that no well-designed trials prove CBD cream benefits people with arthritis, and limited reliable research confirms that topical CBD is effective for arthritis. People should discuss using CBD products with a healthcare professional to ensure the product will not interact with any existing prescription and nonprescription medication or health conditions.
References:
[1] Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol: a review. Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), 8(8), 205.
[2] Iffland, K., & Groopman, J. (2017). An update on safety and side effects of cannabidiol: a review of clinical data and relevant animal studies. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2(1), 139–154.
[3] Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee, H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The Permanente Journal, 23.
[4] Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2006). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European journal of pain (London, England), 10(3), 137–148.
- CBD creams, like Soul CBD Rapid Relief Cream and CBDistillery Oooh Distilled CBD Balm, are sometimes used by individuals with arthritis to potentially alleviate inflammation and joint pain due to CBD's proposed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
- However, the efficacy of CBD creams for managing arthritis-related symptoms is not yet fully established, as current research consists of preliminary trials, self-reports, and smaller studies, with conflicting results.
- More comprehensive, rigorous clinical trials are required to establish the optimal usage, efficacy, and long-term safety of CBD creams for people with chronic diseases such as arthritis, Alzheimer's, and other medical conditions.
- Despite this, topical CBD application may offer targeted relief, with fewer systemic effects, and users generally tolerate it well, although mild local skin reactions have been reported by some people.
