Homeopathy & Sprains & Strains & Sports Injuries

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Homeopathy & Sprains & Strains & Sports Injuries

These are to only be guidelines in the case of

acute illness or first aid. It helps shorten

your time in looking when you are in a hurry with

an ill child. It helps you narrow down a

little. Read thru the list - if you find a

remedy that sounds like it might fit, then go to

your book and read more about that remedy in the Internal Materia Medica.

ALWAYS best to repertorize as you have been

doing, but these are helpful. Repertorizing

enables you to get more individual.

NEVER to be used for chronic or recurring conditions.

Print out and save for quick reference!

http://www.simillimum.com/FirstAid/TheFirstResponder/FirstAidin/SprainsandStrain\

s.html

THE HOMOEOPATHIC FIRST RESPONDER

* Back to Homoeopathic First Responder *

SPRAINS AND STRAINS

A sprain is the over stretching or tearing the

ligaments. They are usually caused by a sudden

twist or bending of a joint. A strain is the over

stretching or tearing of a muscle, fascia or

tendon and is often caused by an overlift, a

sudden move, or overexerting oneself to do

something. Many times the two conditions come

together during an injury along with bruising.

These injuries may be either mild or severe and

can take up to six weeks to heal, especially if a

ligament is torn. The symptoms are pain, redness,

bruising, swelling and stiffness usually worse on

motion and touch. A severe sprain may be had to

differentiate from a break unless the area is x-rayed.

Give Arn. immediately after the injury and

elevate the injured area and rest it in a

comfortable position. Use ice and cold water with

Arn. tincture for the first twenty four hours

after the injury. If the skin is broken, do not

use Arnica externally. After twenty four hours

use hot water and hot compresses to remove

swelling and improve circulation. If Arnica is

still indicated aid the tincture to the water as

well if there are no open wounds. Light bandaging

will also help reduce swelling and provide

support. In the case of a sprained ankle an

elastic bandage may be wound in a figure eight

pattern around the ankle, or if the sprain is

severe, an air cast will prove useful. Take the

person to the doctors for an X-ray if the

swelling does not look much better after twenty

four hours. There may be a fracture or a severe tendon injury.

A strain injuries the muscles, fascia and

tendons. They are accompanied by intense pain,

moderate swelling, pain on motion, and at times,

discoloration at the sight of injury. Place the

injured victim in a comfortable position and

apply heat. Keep the individual still and rest

the area. Give Arnica or Bell-p. depending on the

depth of the injury, and access the nature of the

damage. A strain to the back may involve the

spine and its surrounding tissues so refer to the

section on back injuries (page). Most strains

should be feeling better, not worse, after twenty

four hours. If the injury seems severe seek

medical attention immediately. For specific

remedies study the repertory and materia medica for complementary treatment.

Materia Medica

AGNUS CASTUS (1). Sprains from over lifting,

sprains and luxations of the joint. Suited those

who have prematurely age from abuse of sexual

power. Sadness with impression of a speedy death. Sexual melancholia.

AMMONIUM CARB (2). Sprains attended with fatigue

and weakness in limbs, as if bruised. Drawing and

tension in joints, contraction of limb, as if

tendon were too short. Suited to rather stout

women, who are always tired and weary, take cold

easily, suffer from cholera-like symptoms before

menses, lead a sedentary life, slow reaction,

disposed toward the use of a smelling bottle.

Worse < evenings, cold, wet weather wet

application, washing 3 to 4 a.m. during menses.

Better > lying on painful side and on stomach, dry weather.

ARNICA (3). After traumatic injuries, overuse of

any organ, sprains and strains. Useful any time a

person seem to have " over done it " . Particularly

useful immediately after a sprain or strain.

Sprains with much bruising and soreness. When a

sprain or a strain has lead to the present

trouble. Worse < least touch, motion, rest, cold

damp. Better > lying down with the head low.

ASAFOETIDA (1). Injuries to the tarsus and

carpus. Irritable, complains about he troubles.

BELLIS PERENNIS (2). Lameness as if sprained.

First remedy to injuries to the deep tissues,

after major surgical work. Sprain with great

soreness. Result of injuries to the nerves with

intense soreness and intolerance of cold bathing.

Worse left side, hot baths and warmth of bed, cold bathing, cold wind.

BRYONIA (3). Sprains that are worse < the

slightest motions and better > complete rest,

supporting the part so that it does not move.

Joints red, swollen, with stitches and tearing <

motion. Every spot is painful on pressure. Very

effect after Arn. in the early stages when motion

is very limited and the swelling is acute.

Complementary to Rhus-t which often follows Bry. in sprains.

CALCAREA CARB (3). Sharp sticking, as if parts

were wrenched or sprained. Old sprains when the

symptoms are lingering. Strain from over lifting.

Feels as if arthritis is trying to enter the

joints in the sight of injury. Suited to fat,

fair, flabby, sweaty, cold , damp and sour

smelling individuals. Follows Rhus-t which often

acts as Calcarea's acute reflex. Worse <

exertion, cold in every form, water, washing,

moist are, wet weather, standing. Better > dry

climate and weather, lying on painful side.

CARBO ANIMALIS (1). Easily strained from lifting.

Ankles turn easily (nat-c.). Straining and

over-lifting produces great debility. Points weak with easy discoloration.

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the

nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and

neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain,

numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised.

Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold,

dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least

exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the

nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and

neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain,

numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised.

Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold,

dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least

exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

HYPERICUM (2). Useful in sprains in which the

nerves have been damaged. Traumatic neuralgia and

neuritis. Neuritis, with tingling, burning pain,

numbness and flossy skin. Joints feel bruised.

Spasms after every injury. Worse < in cold,

dampness, in a fog, in closed room, least

exposure, touch. Better > bending his head backward,

MILLEFOLIUM (3). Bad effects from a fall from a

height, over-exertions or over lifting. Bruising

with much bleeding under the skin.

NATRUM CARB (3). Old sprains. Easy spraining and

dislocations of the ankles. Foot bends under,

Heel and tendo-achilles affected. The hollow of

the knee is painful on motion. Icy coldness up to

the knees. Worse < least draught, changes of weather, sun.. Better by moving.

RHUS TOX (3). Bad effects from straining or

lifting, particularly stretching arms high up to

each things. Consequences attending the forced

extension of membranous tissues, especially the

ligament of joints. Tearing pains in the tendons,

ligaments, and fascia. Useful in sprains when the

joint is worse on first motion but is better > on

continued motion. It joint is ameliorated as it

warms up, but will become worse < of exerted

beyond a certain point. Often follows Bry. after

it has remove the initial stiffness and the joint

has loosen up and is now better after continued

motion. Most effective in chilly, restless individuals.

RUTA (3). Complaints from straining the flexor

tendons. Tendency to the formation of deposits in

the periosteum, tendons and about the joints,

especially the wrist. Lameness after sprains and

bruises. Specific effect on the wrist and ankles.

Worse < lying down, cold, wet weather. Suits sanguine types.

SYMPHYTUM (2). Injuries to the sinews, tendons

and periosteum. Sprains with small fractures of the bones and much bruising.

Comments. In sprains Arn. is usually the first

remedy. It is often followed by Bry. in the

second stage where there is much swelling and the

joint is very painful to move. Rhus-t. often is

used in the third stage when the joint is

loosening up and is now < on first movement but

limbers up and is better on continued motion.

This may be follow at times by Calc-c. which is

useful in relieving the pains that linger.

Repertorium

SPRAINS, and STRAINS - agn., Am-c., ARN., asaf.,

Bell-p., BRY., CALC., carbo-an., Hyper., Led.,

Mill., NAT-C., RHUS-T., RUTA., Symph..

ankles and knees, of - arn., bry., Led., RHUS-T., RUTA..

easy spraining and dislocations of the ankles - Nat-c..

fractures, small, conco. to sprains, much bruising - Symph..

fatigue and weakness in limbs, as if bruised - Am-c..

injuries to the deep tissues - Bell-p..

immediately after a sprain or strain - ARN..

lameness of ankles, wrist and knees - RHUS-T., RUTA..

modalities -

part cold to the touch but is better > by cold and cold applications- Led..

worse < on first motion but is better > on continued motion - RHUS-T..

worse < slightest motions and better > complete rest - BRY..

nerve damage - Hyper.

old sprains - CALC., nat-c..

overuse of any organ, sprains and strains - Arn..

strains -

easily strained - CALC., rhus-t., Ruta.

producing great debility - CARB-AN..

wrist and ankles - RUTA..

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Homeopathic Medicines for Sports Injuries

Aching for Homeopathic Medicine

©1991, Dana Ullman, M.P.H.

(Excepted from Discovering Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century, North

Atlantic Books)

(Excepted from Discovering Homeopathy: Medicine

for the 21st Century, North Atlantic Books)

A growing number of professional athletes and

weekend warriors are spelling relief

H-O-M-E-O-P-A-T-H-Y. Although homeopathic

medicines have a reputation of helping people who

are suffering from chronic diseases, these

natural medicines are wonderfully effective in treating common sports injuries.

In fact, using homeopathic medicines for injuries

is considerably easier than treating common

diseases because treatment for injuries does not

require a high degree of individualizing of

remedies that is typical in treating diseases.

When two people have sprained ankles, they each

need a similar homeopathic remedy to heal them,

while two people suffering from arthritis

generally require different remedies which are

individualized to their unique pattern of symptoms.

Homeopathic medicine should be taken in

conjunction with, not in replacement of, conventional first aid measures.

The chart of this page summarizes key homeopathic

medicines for common injuries. However, for

greater detail and further information on the

homeopathic treatment of sports injuries, see the

three books listed at the bottom of the page.

Single Remedies and Formulas

Homeopathic medicines are available as single

remedies or as formulas of two or more remedies

mixed together. Formulas are a more user-friendly

way to use homeopathic medicines since the

indications for their use are extremely clear.

The use of several remedies in a formulas provide

a more broad spectrum effect not available in a

single remedy. Because injuries sometimes involve

muscle, nerve, and bone tissue, it sometimes

makes sense to use formulas to help to heal the various tissues involved.

Single remedies are more recommended for injuries

when you know the correct medicine to give and

when you wish to give a higher potency of a

remedy than is available in formulas. Formula

products usually contain remedies in the 3, 6, or

12th potencies, while people with severe pain may

receive more rapid benefit from the 30th potency.

The " x " after the potency number (as in 6x)

refers to the number of times in which a medicine

is diluted 1:10, while the " c " after the potency

number (6c) is diluted 1:100 (it will be easy to

remember the difference between " x " and " c " by

simply remember their meaning as Roman numerals).

Two hundred years of homeopathic clinical

experience has found that the higher the potency,

the more powerful and faster the medicine acts.

However, the higher the potency used, the more

accurate the remedy must be for the injured or

sick person. Because of this, it is recommended

to use the 30th potency when the user is very

confident that the remedy used is the correct

one. When one is not as confident, the 6th or

12th potency is indicated, or one can consider using a homeopathic formula.

Frequency of Dose

When taking homeopathic medicines it is

recommended to take as few doses as necessary but

as many as are required when experiencing pain.

At first when there is the greatest amount of

pain and discomfort, you may need to take the

remedy every hour. Usually after four doses, you

can reduce the frequency to every other hour, and

as the intensity of pain diminishes, taking a dose every four hours is common.

If no improvement is noticeable after one or two

days, it is not recommended to take further doses.

External Applications

Although most homeopathic remedies are in pill

form for internal consumption, there are a select

number of homeopathic medicines which are

available in external applications. Some external

applications are in ointments, gels, or sprays.

Although they have a similar degree of efficacy,

each has certain benefits and detriments.

Ointments are made from a petroleum base which

doesn't allow the skin to breath as well, but

they tend to work well because they are not

easily washed or wiped off. Gels and sprays allow

the skin the breath more, but they are more

easily washed or wiped off. Gels are my personal

favorite because they are not as easily washed off.

INDICATION MEDICINE DOSE

Shock and trauma of injury Arnica 6,12,30

30 preferred

Injury to the soft tissue/muscle Arnica 6,12,30

Arnica external

Formula external

Injury to nerves or parts of Hypericum

the body rich with nerves (feet, Hypericum external fingers, back);

injuries with Formula external shooting pains 6,12,30

Sprains/strains Arnica (immediately after injury) 6,12,30

Rhus tox* 6,12,30

Bryonia** 6,12,30

Ledum (for easily sprained ankles) 6,12,30

Arnica external Injury Formula external

Tendonitis Rhus tox* 6,12,30

Bryonia** 6,12,30

Arnica external

Injury Formula external

Severe sprains (wrenched tendons, Rhus tox* 12,30

split ligaments) Bryonia** 12,30

Ruta (if Rhus tox or Bryonia aren't effective) 12,30

Bellis perennis (when cold applications cannot be tolerated) 12,30

Dislocation Arnica 12,30

Hypericum (if shooting pains) 12,30

Injuries to periosteum (bone-covering) Ruta 6,12,30

Arnica external

Injury Formula external

Injuries to knee or elbow Ruta 6,12,30

(includes shin splints) Rhus tox* 6,12,30

Arnica external

Injury Formula external

Fracture Symphytum

(Take Arnica for shock of injury) 6,12,30

Arnica external

Injury Formula external

Head injury (immediately after injury) Arnica 12,30

Old head injury Natrum sulphicum 12,30

Slow repair of fractures Calcarea phos. 6,12

Bruises/Contusions Arnica 6,12,30

(no break in the skin) Arnica external

Injury Formula external

Bleeding Arnica 12,30

Nosebleeds Phosphorus 12,30

Blisters Calendula external

Cuts Calendula external

Lacerations (deep cuts) Hypericum external (1st)

Calendula external (after deep cut begins to heal)

Staphysagria 12,30

* Rhus tox is indicated when the person

experiences the " rusty gate " syndrome: there is

great pain upon initial motion but some relief on continued motion.

** Bryonia is indicated when the person

experiences increased pain and discomfort the more motion they do.

Useful Books

Cummings, M.D., and Dana Ullman, M.P.H.,

Everybody's Guide to Homeopathic Medicine, Los Angeles: Tarcher, 1991.

Subotnick, D.P.M., Sports and Exercise

Injuries: Conventional, Homeopathic and

Alternative Treatments, Berkeley: North Atlantic, 1991.

Dana Ullman, M.P.H., Discovering Homeopathy, Berkeley: North Atlantic, 1991.

HOW DO I LEARN MORE ABOUT HOMEOPATHY?

The best source of homeopathic books, tapes, home medicine kits, and

software is:

Homeopathic Educational Services

2124B Kittredge St.

Berkeley, CA. 94704.

(510)649-0294

(510)649-1955 (fax)

DANA ULLMAN, MPH, is one of America's leading

advocates for homeopathy. He has authored six

books, including Homeopathy A-Z, The Consumer's

Guide to Homeopathy, Homeopathic Medicines for

Children and Infants, Discovering Homeopathy, and

(the best-selling) Everybody's Guide to

Homeopathic Medicines (with Cummings,

MD). Dana serves on advisory boards of

alternative medicine institutes at Harvard and

Columbia schools of medicine. He is the founder

of Homeopathic Educational Services, America's

leading resource center for homeopathic books,

tapes, medicines, software, and correspondence

courses. Homeopathic Educational Services has

co-published over 35 books on homeopathy with North Atlantic Books.