Broken Bone Support -- Homeopathic Remedies

If an injury involving a bone is very painful, and the person has difficulty moving the body part or bearing weight on it, the bone could be fractured. A doctor's care should always be sought because correct assessment and proper setting of a fracture is very important for healing. Homeopathic remedies can ease the pain and swelling associated with broken bones, as well as help to accelerate the healing process.

Although homeopathic substances listed in this article are generally not known to cause serious side effects, their effectiveness has not been demonstrated by scientific research. Consumers should check labels carefully, since a homeopathic product that is not diluted, or not diluted enough, can contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions, side effects, or interactions. It is always advisable to discuss any new treatment program with your healthcare practitioner.

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Homeopathic Options

This remedy is useful for reducing the pain and swelling that accompany any new injury, and should be taken as soon as possible after a break occurs. It may also be helpful in calming the person, since breaking a bone is traumatic as well as painful. Doses may be taken frequently, according to how the person feels. Arnica may be used for several days while pain and soreness are prominent. Another remedy may be indicated later, to encourage proper healing of the bones and surrounding tissues.

This remedy may help to bring relief if excruciating pain results from even the slightest motion. The person usually wants to remain completely still and not be touched or interfered with.

This is a useful remedy for aching and soreness in bones and joints, especially when the area feels cold and numb. It can help relieve the pain of fractures and bone bruises, and encourages repair and strengthening if a fracture is slow to heal.

This remedy is well-known for its use in flu and fever when the bones are extremely painful ( "as if broken") and is useful to relieve the deep or aching pain of actual broken bones.

This remedy is very useful for crushing injuries to body areas that are well-supplied with nerves. If smashed fingertips or toes are severe enough to traumatize the bones, Hypericum can be a welcome form of pain relief.

This remedy is known for its effect on bone-bruises and on injuries to the periosteum (the covering of the bones); both of these types of trauma are involved when a fracture of a bone occurs. Ruta is also indicated when the pain around a fracture is extreme, and the person feels lame or weak. This remedy is also helpful in many cases when pain persists after treatment with Arnica.

This remedy is best known for helping broken bones rejoin and heal. It should be taken after a bone is set to ensure proper joining of the bone. (A common recommendation is to take it several times in the first few days, then once a week while the bone is healing.) It is also useful in many cases when pain persists in old, healed fractures.

Dosage

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

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The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.