Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery.

S L A Jeffrey, H J C R Belcher

Journal: Alternative therapies in health and medicine 2002;8(2):66-8

PMID: 11892685

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Abstract

CONTEXT

Arnica is commonly used by the public as a treatment for bruising and swelling.

OBJECTIVE

To assess whether Arnica administration affects recovery from hand surgery.

DESIGN

Double-blind, randomized comparison of Arnica administration versus placebo.

SETTING

Specialist hand surgery unit at the Queen Victoria NHS Trust.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty-seven patients undergoing bilateral endoscopic carpal-tunnel release between June 1998 and January 2000.

INTERVENTION

Homeopathic Arnica tablets and herbal Arnica ointment compared to placebos.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Grip strength, wrist circumference, and perceived pain measured 1 and 2 weeks after surgery.

RESULTS

No difference in grip strength or wrist circumference was found between the 2 groups. However, there was a significant reduction in pain experienced after 2 weeks in the Arnica-treated group (P<.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The role of homeopathic and herbal agents for recovery after surgery merits further investigation.

Address: Department of Plastic Surgery of Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, England.

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/carpaltunnelsyndrome.html

MeSH Terms: Administration, Topical, Adult, Aged, Arnica, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Complementary Therapies, Double-Blind Method, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Ointments, Pain, Postoperative, Phytotherapy, Plant Extracts, Treatment Outcome, Wrist