Tennis elbow, which is also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common injury that affects tennis players and people who engage in repetitive activities. It is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, which can make simple tasks such as gripping objects or lifting weights difficult.
While physical therapy and medication are commonly used to treat tennis elbow, many people are turning to alternative remedies such as CBD oil to manage their symptoms. In the following blog post, we will delve into how CBD can help with treating tennis elbow and reducing chronic pain.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a kind of repetitive strain injury that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the forearm become damaged due to overuse. This can lead to inflammation and microscopic tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, which can cause pain on the outside of the elbow.
Repetitive motions such as swinging a racquet or typing on a computer keyboard can contribute to tennis elbow. While it is more common among athletes who play racquet sports like tennis or squash, anyone can develop this condition if they engage in repetitive activities that involve gripping or twisting motions.
Traditional Treatment Options
The primary goal of traditional treatment options for tennis elbow is to reduce pain and inflammation while promoting healing of the affected tissues. This typically involves a combination of rest, ice therapy, physical therapy exercises, pain relievers like NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroid injections, and surgery in severe cases.
While these treatments can be effective for managing symptoms in some people, they may not work for everyone. Additionally, some people may experience side effects from medication or have concerns about undergoing surgery.
The Role of CBD Oil
CBD oil has gained a lot of popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for various health conditions, including chronic pain. Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many dozens of compounds found in cannabis plants that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
When applied topically or taken orally, CBD oil interacts with receptors in our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) that regulate functions such as pain perception and immune response. By activating these receptors, CBD oil can help reduce inflammation and ease chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis and tendonitis.
Using CBD Oil for Treating Tennis Elbow
There are several ways to use CBD oil for treating tennis elbow:
- Topical Application
One way to use CBD oil for treating tennis elbow is by applying it directly to the affected area. This allows the active ingredients in the oil to penetrate deep into the skin where they can interact with local cannabinoid receptors.
CBD balms or creams can be massaged onto the outer part of the elbow several times per day as needed to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Some products also contain other natural ingredients like menthol or arnica that provide additional relief.
- Oral Consumption
Another way to use CBD oil for managing tennis elbow pain is by taking it orally. This method involves ingesting drops of CBD tincture under your tongue or swallowing capsules containing CBD oil.
When consumed orally, CBD oil travels through your digestive system before entering your bloodstream, where it can interact with ECS receptors throughout your body. This method may be particularly beneficial if you have widespread pain due to conditions like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis.
- Vaping
Vaping involves inhaling CBD vapor using an electronic device called a vape pen. When you inhale vaporized CBD oil through your lungs, it enters your bloodstream quickly, where it can provide fast-acting relief from chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis or back injuries.
However, vaping may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who have respiratory issues such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Benefits of Using CBD Oil for Tennis Elbow Pain
Using CBD oil for treating tennis elbow offers several potential benefits:
- Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation plays a key role in causing joint damage and chronic pain associated with conditions like arthritis and tendonitis. By reducing inflammation through its interaction with ECS receptors throughout our body’s immune system cells (such as macrophages), CB2 activation has been shown effective at reducing tissue damage caused by inflammatory processes.
- Ease Chronic Pain
Chronic pain associated with conditions like fibromyalgia or multiple sclerosis often fails conventional pharmacological therapies making them reliant on opioids which pose risks related to addiction & overdose death rates. However, studies suggest cannabinoids could serve as an alternative therapeutic approach given their analgesic potential without producing toxicity seen in opioid medications.
- A Non-Addictive & Safe Option
Unlike opioids which carry high-risk addiction & overdose death rates, cannabinoids do not appear to produce physical dependence nor cause fatal overdoses when used responsibly.
Overall using cannabidiol (CBD) oils has demonstrated potential benefits towards improving quality-of-life among individuals suffering from painful musculoskeletal disorders including but not limited to tennis elbow. However, further research is needed to understand how CBD can be used effectively as treatment for musculoskeletal diseases & disorders.
Using CBD oil for treating tennis elbow offers several potential benefits: improved mobility, reduced inflammation, and ease of chronic pain. Additionally, its non-addictive nature and lack of side effects make it a safer alternative to more traditional treatments.
For those looking for relief from their tennis elbow pain, there are several ways to use CBD oil, including topical application, oral consumption, and vaping. Each of these methods can provide effective relief from the inflammation and pain caused by tennis elbow and may offer additional benefits like improved mobility.
Final Thoughts
CBD oil may be an effective way to manage the pain, inflammation, and other symptoms associated with tennis elbow. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider before using any type of treatment in order to ensure your safety. Furthermore, more research is needed to accurately determine the long-term effects and optimal dosages for treating various conditions, including tennis elbow.
In summary, using CBD oil for treating tennis elbow may offer a safe and effective way to manage this condition without the risks associated with more traditional treatments. It is important to speak with your doctor or healthcare provider before beginning any type of treatment. Additionally, further research is needed to understand how CBD can provide optimal relief from musculoskeletal pain.
