Here in our Nassau County podiatry practice, we’re excited to introduce a new, non-invasive way to address foot and ankle pain: a topical that combines cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG). Both of these cannabis compounds contain properties that can reduce pain and inflammation, without any psychoactive effects. As such, we now proudly carry Tolcylen transdermal CBD/CBG cream in the office. Here’s how (and why) it works.
Topical CBD and Pain Relief ![Tolcylen CBG and CBG]()
CBD is a cannabis compound; though it’s not psychoactive, it does interact with your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). Now, this system plays an important role in your body, regulating different processes such as inflammation and pain sensation. When you apply CBD topically, as you do with the Tolcylen cream, the active compound interacts with your skin’s ECS receptors. And that interaction could reduce both inflammation and pain in the area you’re targeting for treatment.
How it Works
Topical CBD binds with the endocannabinoid system’s CB2 receptors, located in your skin. Because these receptors are involved in regulating the body’s responses to both pain and inflammation, and because CBD influences the receptors, a topical application of this product could reduce the amount of cytokines produced in the body. Since these molecules are pro-inflammatory, thereby contributing to the pain and swelling associated with both acute injuries and chronic conditions such as plantar fasciitis, topically applying CBD to a localized painful area of your foot can help you experience targeted relief when and where you need it the most.
Why You Should Try Using Topical CBD to Address Foot and Ankle Pain
When you’re dealing with foot and ankle pain, using topical CBD could provide the following benefits:
• Reducing Inflammation: By reducing cytokine production in your body, CBD can lower inflammation, in turn reducing pain and swelling in your ankles, feet or wherever you choose to make a topical application.
• Additional Pain Relief: CBD further reduces foot pain and ankle pain by helping regulate how your body interprets pain signals.
Now, on its own, CBD can noticeably reduce both acute or chronic foot or ankle pain. However, when combined with CBG, as in the transdermal Tolcylen product, the benefits are noticeably strengthened.
Topical CBG and Your Feet
CBG is another non-psychoactive cannabinoid, and it has its own unique potential benefits when it comes to foot and ankle pain. However, it does have properties that may be therapeutic, since it is considered a "mother" cannabinoid, forming in the cannabis plant as a precursor to compounds such as THC and CBD.
How it Works
While CBD only interacts with CB2 receptors, CBG can interacts with CBD2 and CB1 and CB2 receptors, suggesting it could have farther-reaching benefits than CBD alone. While this cannabinoid is less well-researched than CBD, it appears to reduce inflammation in two ways: by reducing your body’s production of substances that cause inflammation, and by regulating pain pathways in the body. As such, it’s a particularly effective compound for targeting localized pain in your ankles and feet.
In conclusion, when applied topically, CBG can:
• Reduce inflammation: In turn, swelling and pain may also be reduced.
• Modulate pain: Like CBD, CBG appears to influence pain pathways in your body. However, it seems to interact with different paths than CBD, meaning this product could maximize the pain-relief benefits of topical cannabinoids.
How to Try Topical CBD and CBG Together
Now that you understand how topical CBD and CBG impact pain and inflammation in your feet and ankles, you can see why we are excited to offer a product that combines both their benefits in one easy-to-apply cream. Of course, there are multiple CBD products on the market today, and we are aware that some are available at a lower price point. However, we have selected the Tolcylen product as our office’s topical of choice because company has conducted extensive research, securing a patent on the five ingredients included in their cream. In combination, their patented mix of ingredients helps bring the cream through the five layers of the skin, penetrating the epidermis and reaching down into the dermis for maximum relief.
Now, how you use CBD and CBG matters. So, in order to get the best results from your Tolcylen product, here’s how we want you to apply the cream your targeted treatment areas:
• Clean the treatment area: Make sure to wash the skin with warm water and soap, thoroughly drying the area before applying cream.
• Use plenty of product: Apply enough cream to cover the skin everywhere you experience pain.
• Now employ massage: Gently massaging the Tolcylen cream into your skin will improve its absorption and maximize the product’s effectiveness. Make sure to continue massaging your product into the skin for between 45 seconds and one full minute in order to maximize its effectiveness.
• Once may not be enough: The effects of topical CBD and CBD are cumulative, so make sure to follow the dosing instructions on the product label. Typically, you’ll apply cream to your treatment area between two and four times a day.
Side Effects and Counterindications
While topical CBD and CBG are considered generally safe and are typically well-tolerated, these products could interact with certain medications, even when applied topically, so you should always clear use with your healthcare provider prior to the first application. Additionally, some people could be allergic to the cream, or experience mild irritation when using the product, so it’s best to test your reaction on a small patch of skin before using the topical on a larger portion of your body.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hoping to manage foot and ankle pain without oral medication or injections, topical CBD and CBG could be the solution you’ve been searching for. When you apply the two cannabinoids directly to sore spots on your skin, you should enjoy targeted relief for pain and inflammation. If you have more questions about this product, and whether it’s right for you, give us a call at 516-804-9038 or reach out to the office for a quick consultation.
