For athletes pushing through long training blocks, heavy lifts, or repetitive movements, localized pain can become a daily challenge. CBD creams have quickly moved from niche products to mainstream recovery tools, thanks to their blend of targeted relief and easy application. Below is a curated list of popular CBD topicals widely used by runners, lifters, cyclists, golfers, and other athletes looking for muscle and joint support.

1. Myaderm Advanced Sport Cream

Myaderm’s sport-specific cream is designed for fast absorption—a major advantage for athletes who want relief without greasy residue. It’s known for its clean application, a subtle cooling effect, and a formula that works well under compression sleeves or athletic apparel. Many users apply it before workouts for warm-up support and again post-training to ease muscle strain.

2. Myaderm Advanced Therapy Cream

This broader-use version focuses on everyday joint and muscle discomfort. Its fast-acting formula makes it a go-to option for athletes managing chronic soreness in the knees, back, shoulders, or hips. The cream absorbs quickly, which makes it ideal for people who need relief without interrupting their routine.

3. Vital Body Therapeutics Muscle & Joint Relief Cream

Developed by massage therapists, this cream has become a favorite in recovery studios, spas, and physical therapy offices. The formula combines CBD with soothing botanicals that help loosen tight muscles and calm inflammation. While priced higher than mass-market creams, many athletes appreciate its “professional-grade” feel and long-lasting texture.

4. NOW Solutions CBD Joint & Muscle Cream

NOW Foods brings a more affordable CBD cream to the athletic recovery space. Their Joint & Muscle Cream adds menthol for a light cooling sensation and blends in plant botanicals for extra comfort. Because it’s budget-friendly and easy to find online, new CBD users often try this one first before exploring higher-end options.

5. Irwin Naturals CBD + Arnica Cream

Irwin Naturals combines CBD with arnica—an herbal ingredient long used for bruises, muscle soreness, and swelling. This dual approach makes it especially appealing for athletes who deal with blunt-impact pain from contact sports or want added support after intense training days. Many appreciate that it’s stocked in mainstream pharmacies and health stores.

6. Fitish Perfect Game Sports Cream

Fitish’s sports cream is crafted with active consumers in mind. It blends CBD with menthol and tea tree oil, creating a crisp, cooling effect that pairs well with hot-weather workouts or gym sessions. Its lighter consistency allows athletes to use it both pre-workout for activation and post-workout for recovery.

7. Pin High CBD Muscle & Joint Creams (2,000–5,000 mg)

Designed for golfers but loved by all types of athletes, Pin High’s high-milligram CBD creams are built for deeper, more stubborn discomfort. The stronger concentration makes them popular among athletes with ongoing joint issues, especially in the knees, lower back, and shoulders. These creams are best suited for athletes seeking a more potent daily recovery tool.

8. Hempvana Pain Relief & Lidocaine Creams

Hempvana offers several hemp-based creams, including ones enhanced with lidocaine for temporary numbing relief. While not all formulas focus purely on CBD, they are popular among athletes who want a fast-acting topical for sore joints, overworked muscles, or stiffness after long practices. Availability in big-box retail stores and pharmacies makes them convenient for quick restocks.

Tips for Athletes Using CBD Creams
  • Apply to warm, clean skin for best absorption.
  • Use post-workout to help calm inflammation and muscle tension.
  • Rotate between cooling and non-cooling formulas depending on training intensity.
  • Consult a sports medicine professional for persistent or injury-related pain.