Best CBD Cream for Tendonitis in 2023
This article contains a list of the best CBD creams for tendonitis in 2023. We highlight the most reputable manufacturers that make premium CBD topicals for pain and inflammation. The formulas we discuss in our guide contain all-natural ingredients that work synergistically with CBD to ease your symptoms and boost recovery. After reading this article, you’ll be able to pick the best CBD cream for your needs and avoid scammy brands that sell uncertified products. We’ll also show you what’s the most effective way of using CBD for aching tendons.
Studies unequivocally support CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, sparking interest in its potential benefits for painful conditions like tendonitis.
Overworking any muscles can lead to tendonitis. This health problem is linked to physical activities like intense workouts or heavy-duty jobs, such as construction workers and miners.
In this article, we highlight the best CBD creams for tendonitis and shed light on the current research on this subject.
Here’s an overview of the best CBD brands and products for aching tendons in 2023.
Best CBD Pain Cream for Tendonitis
- Royal CBD – Best CBD Cream Overall, Editor’s Pick
- Gold Bee – Best Organic CBD Topicals
- CBDistillery – Most Affordable
- Hemp Bombs – Best Pure CBD Cream
- Medterra – Good Value
- CBDfx – Best Variety
- Spruce – Best Aroma
- Aspen Green – Best Full-Spectrum CBD Cream
- Joy Organics
- Receptra Naturals
1. Royal CBD – Best CBD Cream Overall, Editor’s Pick
Get 15% off all Royal CBD products. Use code “CFAH” at checkout.
Royal CBD works hard to provide CBD users with top-shelf products made from organic hemp. Besides its best-selling full-spectrum CBD oil, the company offers CBD gummies, capsules, and two types of topicals.
You can choose between a CBD Cool Relief Balm and CBD Roll-on Gel (Icy Menthol).
Both products contain broad-spectrum CBD, so your skin can benefit from the entourage effect thanks to the presence of other cannabinoids and terpenes (without THC) — making them more effective than isolate-based creams for tendonitis.
The roll-on gel is one of the most potent CBD products for pain we’ve tested to date. It comes with a mess-free applicator and quickly gets absorbed into the skin. The formula contains organic menthol crystals, adding up to the analgesic effect and helping to relieve post-workout soreness.
The CBD cream offers higher bioavailability because it has been infused into a fat base. It has a slightly grainy texture, but that’s a good sign because it indicates you’re dealing with a handmade product.
Both options contain 500 mg CBD.
2. Gold Bee – Best Organic CBD Topicals
Gold Bee has a solid background in the superfoods industry; after transitioning to CBD supplements, the brand has achieved massive success with its line of all-organic CBD supplements.
Gold Bee’s collection includes CBD oils, capsules, gummies, honey sticks, topicals, and CBD pet products.
The Gold Bee CBD roll-on gel packs high concentrations of CBD, providing 2000 mg per bottle. The formula is infused with a menthol extract that adds a cooling layer to the soothing effects of CBD cream, helping relieve pain, swelling, irritation, and stiffness in your tendons.
Similar to Royal CBD, Gold Bee’s products are triple-tested in an ISO-certified laboratory for potency and purity.
3. CBDistillery – Most Affordable
CBDistillery offers an impressive selection of CBD supplements, being one of the largest suppliers in North America. The company combines high-quality products with affordable prices and provides education to low-income communities.
CBDistillery makes full-spectrum CBD creams for tendonitis. The formulas contain natural ingredients and support regeneration. They also help ease flare-ups from the condition.
If you’re looking for the most affordable CBD products on the market, CBDistillery is your best bet. However, the company doesn’t use organic hemp, which puts them lower on our ranking of the best CBD creams for tendonitis.
4. Hemp Bombs – Best Pure CBD Cream
Hemp Bombs is the best pick if you’re looking for the best CBD creams for tendonitis from purified CBD. The brand is known for its wide product range and smart marketing, which has earned them a reputation as one of the most popular brands in the CBD space.
Hemp Bombs’ message is straightforward: its CBD cream will “freeze your pain” with 1000 mg CBD and high levels of menthol. However, we’re not so enthusiastic when it comes to its efficacy because it lacks the entourage effect due to the lack of other cannabinoids and terpenes.
On a positive note, the cream delivers a pleasant cooling burn that diminishes over time, reducing the intensity of pain.
5. Medterra – Good Value
Medterra makes award-winning topicals, including a CBD cream that you can buy in two variants: 250 mg (low potency) and 750 mg (high potency).
The company also offers a roll-on gel, but it doesn’t make you spoiled for choice here since it only contains 250 mg of CBD.
Another downside is that these products are based on pure CBD, so they might not be as effective as their broad-spectrum and full-spectrum counterparts.
6. CBDfx – Best Variety
CBDfx is one of the trailblazers in the hemp market. The guys have been making CBD products since 2012 and are known for their wide product selection, including CBD oils, vapes, drinks, gummies, pet products, and a range of topicals.
The CBDfx cream packs 150 or 500 mg CBD depending on the selected option. It’s a decent pick for tendonitis because it contains other painkilling ingredients, such as menthol, caffeine, and willow bark.
You can also try the CBDfx CBD lotion if you’re suffering from tired and irritated skin. It comes with organic shea butter that enhances the regenerative properties of CBD.
Unfortunately, these are some of the most expensive CBD creams for tendonitis; you’re paying $0.26 per mg of CBD.
7. Spruce – Best Aroma
The Spruce CBD cream works for all skin types, including sensitive ones. It has a great smell for a whole-plant product, bringing notes of pine trees, lemongrass, and freshly cut flowers.
The cream has a grainy texture and needs to be rubbed into the skin, making the application a little bit messy. But on the other hand, you deliver the whole range of cannabinoids, leveraging the entourage effect.
It also has high levels of terpenes, with dominant scents coming from linalool, limonene, and caryophyllene. This blend offers uplifting, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving properties that enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD.
We’d love to see a greater product variety, though.
8. Aspen Green – Best Full-Spectrum CBD Cream
Aspen Greens specializes in premium-grade CBD products from organic hemp. When it comes to CBD creams for tendonitis, I recommend checking out its CBD pain-relief body balm, that comes with 1000 mg of CBD.
The whole-plant extract gives this CBD cream a bit of a botanical scent, but the unique combination of terpenes makes it especially effective for pain and inflammation relief.
The terpenes in the Aspen Green CBD cream for pain include myrcene, guaiol, eucalyptol, humulene, pinene, limonene, and cymene.
It’s a good product for aching tendons, but the relief could last longer.
9. Joy Organics
Joy Organics has partnered with the largest farms and hemp manufacturers to source raw CBD extracts and infuse them into CBD creams and other topicals that you can use for tendonitis.
The Joy Organics CBD salve contains a broad spectrum extract, carrying 1000 mg of CBD per container alongside other non-psychoactive cannabinoids and a well-thought-out blend of terpenes. The mix includes geraniol, terpinolene, eucalyptol, limonene, and caryophyllene.
The company also has one CBD isolate pain cream in its lineup. It’s made with 250 mg of pure CBD per bottle. You can use it for mild aches, but it may not be as effective for tendonitis as the other products mentioned in our ranking.
10. Receptra Naturals
Receptra Naturals was established in 2016 in Colorado, with a product line designed specifically for athletes. Its current collection is more diverse, including CBD oils, edibles, and topicals.
Receptra infuses its CBD creams with multiple high-quality herbal ingredients that reduce inflammation and improve mobility in the joints and tendons. The company uses organically grown hemp and tests its products for potency and the presence of pesticides and heavy metals.
The brand offers two types of topicals — a special CBD cream and an all-purpose body butter. The body butter is better suited for cosmetic purposes rather than serious pain due to its modest potency of 11 mg CBD/mL.
The 800 mg full-spectrum CBD cream is way better if you want to target localized discomfort, dryness, and inflammation.
How We Selected the Best CBD Cream for Tendonitis
CBD creams for tendonitis come in three types:
- Full-spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD isolate
Full-spectrum CBD is the complete type because it contains the original chemical profile of the source plant. It comes with high levels of CBD, trace amounts of minor cannabinoids, terpenes, oils, and waxes. Their presence enhances your body’s ability to process CBD, increasing its efficacy, especially when it comes to conditions involving pain.
Broad-spectrum CBD is almost the same, except for THC, which is removed during extraction. They evoke the entourage effect to some extent, but they’re not as powerful as fulls-spectrum products.
CBD isolates are pure CBD. All the remaining compounds are eliminated during fractional distillation and winterization. CBD isolates contain 99% CBD.
However, they’re inferior to the two above types because they don’t leverage the whole-plant synergy and are biologically less active.
No matter which option you go for, here are a few tips that will save you time and money:
- Choose reputable brands: such companies are more likely to deliver the expected quality and safety. You’ll have plenty of time to experiment once you become more experienced with CBD creams.
- Opt for CO2-extracted products: CO2 extraction doesn’t involve harsh solvents or high temperatures to yield pure and potent products.
- Check the hemp source: organic hemp is the best source for CBD creams for tendonitis because it comes without pesticides, heavy metals, and other toxins associated with mass farming.
- Read user reviews: if a company has a suspiciously large number of negative reviews (or no presence at all), it’s a red flag.
- Ask for Certificates of Analysis (CoAs): each product should be thoroughly tested by a third-party laboratory for potency and purity. If your vendor doesn’t provide current CoAs, don’t waste your time with them.
Related: CBD Oil for Tendonitis
Does CBD Cream Help With Tendonitis?
Tendonitis causes swelling and discomfort in the tendons. Symptoms may linger for a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of your injury. Recovery from tendonitis may take anywhere from two days to six weeks.
Tendonitis can lead to tendinosis if left neglected. It’s a more serious form of degeneration that causes chronic pain, mobility issues, and joint stiffness.
Tendinosis appears when your tendon’s collagen supply is running short, compromising its ability to regenerate.
Here’s how you can use CBD cream for tendonitis to speed up regeneration and prevent complications.
CBD for Pain Relief
CBD engages with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is your master regulatory network involved in pain modulation and immune function, on top of many other essential processes.
The ECS is made up of two major receptors: CB1 and CB2. These receptors appear throughout the body and interact with the molecules called endocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids are your natural chemical messengers that exert similar effects on the body and brain to the cannabinoids from cannabis.
CBD signals the ECS to produce more endocannabinoids; it also slows down their breakdown. With more endocannabinoids circulating in the body, you can return to homeostasis and control the symptoms of many health conditions.
For example, higher levels of endocannabinoids are associated with a higher pain threshold. CBD also acts on specific receptors in the brain that control pain signaling, reducing experienced discomfort from tendonitis.
One study on the use of CBD for pain management has found that CBD may be an effective alternative to opioids.
Related: Best CBD Creams for Pain Relief
CBD for Inflammation
Although CBD doesn’t directly affect the CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, it acts on the CB2 receptors that occur in the immune system and regulate inflammation.
When CBD activates the CB2 receptor, it triggers the release of adenosine, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
This trait helps CBD reduce redness, pain, swelling, itching, and irritation. The skin is also abundant in CB2 receptors, which explains why CBD is beneficial for localized pain.
Related: Best CBD Cream for Arthritis
How to Use CBD Cream for Tendonitis
Whether you’re trying CBD creams for tendonitis or other pain-related conditions, you’re probably wondering how to get the most bang for your buck.
Once you open the jar, take some cream on your finger and rub it into the affected area until it gets absorbed. CBD will enter the epidermis layer of the skin, targeting the CB2 receptors.
CBD creams are more effective at addressing localized discomfort because the skin permeability of CBD is 10x higher than that of THC.
Most users notice first signs of relief after around 20 minutes. However, for some people, CBD creams may need more time to act — sometimes up to one hour. The ultimate absorption rate, bioavailability, and duration of topical CBD products depend on their fat base and additional ingredients.
Is CBD Safe to Use for Tendonitis?
Yes, CBD has a decent safety profile. Reviews of studies and meta-analyses concluded that CBD is well-tolerated by humans, even at doses as high as 1,500 mg daily, administered for several weeks.
The side effect profile of CBD topicals is even milder than that of CBD oils because the CBD doesn’t make it to the bloodstream.
For example, you won’t experience dry mouth, appetite fluctuation, or dizziness after taking CBD cream for tendonitis.
If anything, you may get an allergic reaction from one of the other ingredients in the formula. Should that happen, discontinue using the product and consult your doctor to run allergy tests and identify the trigger.
CBD for Tendonitis: FAQ
Want to learn more about CBD and tendonitis? Here we answer the most frequently asked questions.
What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis starts when the tendons — a tissue connecting the muscle and the joints — suffer from inflammation. This condition is common among athletes, where a particular set of tendons is either overloaded or overworked.
Overloading the tendons usually derives from a sudden increase in speed, e.g., when you start running at high speed immediately. Repeated overload can lead to an Achilles tendon, where the tissue at the back of the lower leg gets swollen.
Overwork happens after the frequent repetition of movements, such as weight lifting or swinging a tennis racket or a golf club.
What are the different types of tendonitis?
Tendonitis has several different types, depending on which part of the body is affected:
- Tennis Elbow – this type of tendonitis results from inflamed tendons on the outside of the elbow. The pain runs from the forearm to the wrist and fingers. As the name suggests, it’s more common among tennis players, but it can also occur in construction workers, plumbers, and artists.
- Golfer’s Elbow – it involves the inflammation of the forearm. The swell usually appears on the inside of the elbow and forearm. It results from activities involving repetitive flexing, throwing, swinging, and gripping.
- Achilles Tendonitis – here the condition affects the largest tendon in the body called the Achilles tendon. It happens in tissue that connects the heel with the calf muscles and mostly affects runners, but basketball players and footballers are also in a high-risk group.
- Rotator Cuff Tendonitis (or bicep tendonitis) – this condition triggers shoulder pain as a result of inflammation in the bicep tendon. People with rotator cuff tendonitis often report pain that spreads from the shoulder blades to the upper arm. The most common causes include heavy lifting or frequent stretching of the arms overhead. Bodybuilders and swimmers are the most exposed group.
How is tendonitis different from arthritis?
Tendonitis can sometimes be misdiagnosed as arthritis because of the tendon’s close relation with the joints. While both conditions involve inflammation, its source helps distinguish one disease from the other.
Tendonitis is caused by inflammation in tendons, followed by limited movement in this area. Meanwhile, arthritis stems from inflammation in the joint and is followed by joint pain.
Why are people turning to CBD cream for tendonitis?
Tendonitis can be treated without prescription medications most of the time. Doctors usually recommend OTC painkillers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, ibuprofen, and aspirin.
However, combining these medications or taking them, in the long run, may cause them to lose efficacy — not to mention the side effects associated with their long-term use.
The side effects of continuous NSAID treatment include heart attack and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Studies show that severe cases of tendonitis may benefit from corticosteroid treatment. However, this type of therapy may cause the tendons to weaken, potentially deteriorating the condition and compromising your immune system.
Meanwhile, many studies have highlighted CBD as a remarkable anti-inflammatory compound.
For example, people use CBD to manage arthritis, which affects joints and connective tissues like ligaments and tendons.
Another recent study discovered that CBD has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and pain-killing properties for autoimmune conditions.
In 2020, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved CBD for athletes, removing it from the list of performance-enhancing drugs.
What are the pros and cons of using CBD cream for tendonitis?
The pros:
- CBD has an excellent safety profile and carries a similar abuse potential to a placebo, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- CBD may be able to reduce the symptoms of tendonitis, such as pain and inflammation. It’s a safer alternative to OTC and prescription painkillers.
- Studies and meta-analyses have found that CBD is an effective tool for the management of rheumatic diseases. These results may spur up the research for further studies designed specifically to assess the efficacy of CBD creams for tendonitis.
The cons:
- CBD may interact with other medications, causing second-hand side effects. Always consult your doctor before you try taking CBD for tendonitis.
- We still need more clinical studies to examine the efficacy of CBD creams for tendonitis on a large group of patients with a carefully selected control group.
How does CBD compare to other alternative tendonitis treatments?
Sometimes, all you need to heal tendonitis is rest. Most doctors recommend the RICE approach: rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
Other than that, your doctor may ask you to undergo physical and occupational therapy.
Occupational therapy works by improving your motor and cognitive skills for daily living. A few examples of occupational tasks include cooking, writing, and getting enough restorative sleep.
Physical therapy usually aims at speeding up recovery from injuries by either easing pain or aligning the bones and joints, or increasing mobility. This type of therapy can be used for the whole treatment, from diagnosis to recovery.
You can also use essential oils to lessen pain and inflammation, such as:
- Peppermint oil – which contains menthol and can ease soreness
- Marjoram oil – which comes with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Lavender oil – it can reduce inflammation and pain on top of relieving anxiety.
- Chamomile – another potent anti-inflammatory agent that can speed up wound healing, improve digestion, and help you fall asleep faster.
Final Verdict: What’s the Best CBD Cream for Tendonitis?
Tendonitis is caused by the inflammation of tendons, which connect the muscles and the bones. It’s a common condition among athletes and other physically active individuals.
Natural remedies, such as CBD cream, can be used to speed up recovery and effectively heal tendonitis. However, the most important aspect of your recovery should involve deep rest. Giving yourself enough time to do nothing will help shed the burden off the tendons.
In serious cases of tendonitis, surgery and rehabilitation may be required — but that’s an extreme scenario.
You may use CBD in various forms, but creams are the most effective for tendonitis because they help relieve localized inflammation and discomfort.
We recommend Royal CBD and Gold Bee as the best CBD creams for tendonitis. Not only do they pack high doses of CBD with each serving, but they’re also made with organic hemp and contain a broad-spectrum extract with supportive ingredients that work synergistically with CBD.
