Injuries with Blunt Objects (Bruises/Contusions)

A bruise is an injury caused by a blow from or a collision with a blunt object, resulting into a damage to the soft tissues beneath the skin. Here, the skin remains intact and unbroken, but the underlying tissues and blood­capillaries are injured causing an extravasation of blood into the tissues. There is swelling, pain (sort of sore, beaten feeling) and a blue-black discoloration of the affected part.

The possibility of a serious damage to internal organs (in case of blow on the head, the chest or the abdomen) or of internal bleeding must be considered, even though there is little sign of injury on the surface. An increased pulserate, distressed breathing, severe vomiting or progressive deterioration in the general condition are danger signals warranting urgent skilled attention or hospitalization.

When treating a bruise, the remedy that should spring to the mind first, is Arnica. Arnica montana is prepared from a plant called the 'leopard's bane' that grows wild in the mountains. It is observed that if a sheep or a goat falls down the hillside and hurts itself, it instinctively nibbles the leaves of this plant. Dr. Hahnemann was the first to test Arnica scientifically. While 'proving' the remedy, volunteers reported a sore, bruised feeling in the body, as if after a bad fall and a sensation of 'shock'. According to the law of similars, the symptoms that Arnica produces in healthy people are the symptoms that Arnica can cure.

Therefore, when treating a bruise, immediately give a dose of Arnica 200 to overcome shock and initiate healing. Thereafter, give Arnica 30 every fifteen minutes (for very severe pain) or every three to four hours (for moderate pain) till considerable improvement occurs.

If the pain is very severe or if it shoots upwards (as happens when nerve-rich parts like fingers, toes or the spine are injured), Arnica may be replaced by Hypericum 30. Hypericum, called the Arnica of nerves, is prepared from a plant called St. John's wort.

If there seems to be an undue delay in the disappearance of the bruise and, especially, if the injured part remains cold and numb, it would be a good plan to change to Ledum 30, thrice a day. You can be doubly sure of Ledum's correctness if cold applications to the affected Part seem to releive pain considerably.

if case of a blunt injury to the eye, again Arnica helps. Alternatively, Aconite 30 (called the Arnica of the eye) can be used. However, many eminent doctors have suggested Symphytum, Hypericum or Ledum for eye. injuries. How do we choose from these remedies? If there is injury to the eyeball from a tennis ball, or an infant sticking its fist into the mother's eye, give Symphytum 30. If the injury, however, is immediately above or below the eye (causing a black-eye) give Arnica 30. Ledum is distinguished by 'better from cold-applications' and Hypericum 30 is for the injury that is excessively painful.

In this motorised age, blunt injuries to the head are becoming increasingly common. Any head injury must be taken seriously, even if after such an injury the patient has been able to walk or seemingly has no complaints.

Headaches, bouts of vomiting or inexplicable changes in pulse, breathing, behaviour or consciousness, could be the signs of injury to the brain or blood-vessels in the skull. This is an emergency calling for skilled medical or surgical intervention.

Immediately following a head injury, whether the person is conscious or not, give Arnica 200. Thereafter, give Arnica 30 every 30 minutes. Five to six such doses should help the person a lot. If there is mental confusion and other signs of a disorder of the brain (viz. rigidity of the neck, dilated pupils, muscle-twitching or convulsions), give Cicuta 30 every two hours till relief is obtained or further specialized help is available.

Should headache or other symptoms persist, give Natrum sulphuricum 30. A few doses of this remedy may clear up symptoms and restore well-being in a surprising way.