Sprains, Fractures and Dislocation of the Wrist ,Injuries to Fingers

- THOMAS E,SPORTS MEDICINE
Sprains, Fractures and Dislocation of the Wrist
 When someone talks of a sprained wrist he is usually describing an
 area of pain resulting from a traumatic incident. There may be a genuine sprain of the intercarpal ligaments with localised pain on passive flexion. A fall onto an outstretched hand may cause the condition, and can also produce a dislocation of a carpal bone or of the lunate. More important, there may be a fracture of the scaphoid. This again is associated with a fall onto the outstretched hand, as is the Colles's fracture in older sports persons and dancers.
 Obviously, when someone presents with a history of a fall onto an outstretched hand, followed by intense pain in the wrist, correct specialist diagnosis is essential. Fractures to the scaphoid only heal with difficulty, and the practitioner needs to be sure that the correct diagnosis has been made.
 Arnica
 This remedy should be given automatically if the injury follows a fall.
 Dosage: Immediately after the fall, one Arnica 6c. Between two days and a month after the fall, give Arnica 200c, three doses in one day. If the accident took place more than a month before the referral, give one dose of Arnica 1M.
 Symphytum
 This remedy will assist bone fusion if non-union is evident, especially for a fractured scaphoid and in painful old injuries.
 Dosage: One Symphytum 30c.
 Rhododendron, Rhus Tox. and Ruta may also be needed during recovery. See Ruta Graveolens (page 00) for prescribing protocol.

Injuries to Fingers
 Cricketers and hockey players frequently suffer blows to and fractures of the phalanges from blows by the ball. They are very painful and often disabling. They normally require taping and gentle mobilising for three to four weeks. If the players were to take the following remedies they would avoid much of the pain, discomfort and layoff. Dislocations sometimes occur as the result of blows and falls, and should be reduced immediately if possible. The following homoeopathic remedies will help healing and speed recovery.
 Arnica
 Take it as soon as the injury occurs.
 Dosage: One Arnica 30c as soon as possible.
 Hypericum
 Violent, shooting, piercing pain and soreness in nerve-rich parts always respond to Hypericum. The fingers are very sensitive to touch and jarring. The finger is much more painful than it appears and is better from rubbing. The player tends to rub it whenever possible.
 Dosage: Hypericum 30c as frequently as necessary for the pain, for not more than ten doses.
 Symphytum
 This remedy will assist bone fusion, especially in painful old injuries.
 Dosage: Symphytum 30c three times daily for two to three weeks. (See also Ruta Graveolens, page 00.)
 Tendon and Ligament Injuries
 The increasing popularity of skiing on artificial slopes has produced a spate of thumb injuries. These can be fractures or dislocations that should be given the same treatment as fractured fingers, ligament damage or rupture. Take Arnica immediately after the injury and repeat as necessary, followed by Hypericum if there is intense pain, and Symphytum to promote healing. Ruta will help ligaments to heal.
 Mallet and buttonhole deformity injuries result from damage to the extensor tendon mechanism. They may require surgery or splinting. If they arise from trauma, Arnica is the first remedy to take. Following Arnica, Ruta can assist the tendons to heal.