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


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


METHODS
Specialist hand surgery unit at the Queen Victoria NHS Trust.


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


METHODS
Homeopathic Arnica tablets and herbal Arnica ointment compared to placebos.


METHODS
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.
Jeffrey
S L A
SL
Department of Plastic Surgery of Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, England.
Belcher
H J C R
HJ
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D018650:Arnica; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009824:Ointments; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014953:Wrist / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology
D009824:Ointments; D010936:Plant Extracts