Three key medicines for sports injuries are Arnica for shock and trauma to soft tissue and muscle; Hypericum for shooting pains and trauma to nerves or parts of the body rich with nerves, such as the fingers, toes and back; and Calendula for cuts or open wounds to promote healthy new skin formation. The information here indicates external use for common injuries.
Sprains and strains
–Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is swelling and soreness
–Rhus tox for sprains with annoying stiffness
–Bryonia for sprains with excruciating pain whenever the joint is moved
–Ledum for easily sprained ankles that feel better when ice is applied
–Calcarea carbonica for chronic ankle sprains and repetitive stress injury
–Ruta for tendon injury (especially helpful for tennis elbow or carpal tunnel syndrome)
Dislocation
–Arnica immediately after injury, also later if there is soreness
–Hypericum for sharp shooting pains that accompany a dislocation
Fracture
–Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is bruising
–Bryonia for fractures with severe pain made worse by motion
–Ruta for injuries to periosteum (bone-covering membrane), common with trauma to the shin, skull, elbow or kneecap
–Symphytum to promote bone growth (only to be given after a fracture has been set)
–Calcarea phosphoric to speed the progress of slow-healing fractures
Head injury
–Arnica immediately after injury, especially if there is bruising and/or large swelling that is sensitive to touch
–Natrum sulphuricum for a head injury followed by irritability or depression; always seek professional treatment for a head injury
Wounds
–Calendula to help prevent infection in scrapes and open wounds; for any open wound and for blisters; do not use arnica, but instead apply calendula topically
–Hypericum to speed healing and lessen shooting pain in wounds to the tongue, fingertips and toes
–Ledum to repair injury from puncture wounds
Note: Most health food stores carry homeopathic medicines in the 30C potency, considered a mid-range strength that is safe to use when self-prescribing for the sports injuries described here. For severe injuries and emergency care, contact a certified professional homeopath who can prescribe remedies in higher, more appropriate potencies. For a state by state directory, visit www.HomeopathicDirectory.com.