Arnica 12C Pellets: start taking 2 days prior to surgery and continue for approximately 2 weeks post operatively. Take as directed (5 pellets 3 times/day). Arnica Cream: start post operatively and apply to the area of bruising as directed by our surgeons.
Arnica is often used for pain management, but research on its effectiveness is mixed. One 2010 double-blind study looked at the effects of arnica on muscle pain in 53 subjects. It found that, when compared to a placebo, arnica lotion actually increased leg pain 24 hours after atypical muscle use.
Arnica montana is a homeopathic topical pain relief agent. Its mechanism of action is not well known. Arnica preparations have shown wound healing, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and pain relieving properties.
Ten Tips to Speed up Post-Op Recovery
- Reduce salt.
- No Gatorade.
- Increase protein.
- Decrease Sugar.
- Eat small amounts many times throughout the day.
- Wine works as a diuretic, so consuming a glass of wine 2-3 weeks post-operatively may be helpful for post-surgical swelling.
- Consume a quality probiotic.
- Walk.
Vitamin C – Some research shows that Vitamin C and zinc can help with healing, so eat the recommended amount of fruit each day. B12 and Iron – Iron and B12 both aid bone marrow in forming new blood cells, so incorporate foods like fish and eggs.
People use arnica as a cream or gel for soothing muscle aches and inflammations and healing wounds. When applied to the skin, it may improve healing by decreasing swelling and pain and speeding blood reabsorption.
Homeopathic doses are generally considered safe to use. Homeopathic arnica creams or gels can cause burning and skin irritation. Risks. Always talk to a doctor before using arnica.
Its flowers and roots have been used to treat bruises, sprains, arthritic pain, and muscle aches. A highly diluted form of Arnica is also used in homeopathic remedies. In vitro studies show that arnica has antimicrobial (1) and anti-inflammatory (2) properties.
The bromelain in pineapples may reduce the inflammation, swelling, bruising and pain that occurs after surgery. Bromelain's anti-inflammatory properties may also aid recovery after strenuous exercise by reducing tissue inflammation.
Topical arnica is promoted as a useful treatment for the inflammation and pain associated with bruises, aches, postsurgical bruising and swelling, and sprains. Oral arnica is used for the treatment of postsurgical bruising and swelling, for the relief of mouth and throat inflammation, and as an abortifacient.
Because of its ability to prevent clots from forming, Arnica should not be taken with other medications or herbal products that can thin the blood like aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, enoxaparin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban, ginger, garlic, or ginseng, to name a few.
2 Days Prior to InjectionsDo start taking Arnica two days prior to the procedure. (This is not required, but it will help to lessen bruising.)
Home Treatment
- Stop any activity.
- Apply ice wrapped in a thin cloth (or a cold compress or a bag of frozen vegetables) to the area around the eye.
- Avoid putting direct pressure on the eyeball itself.
- Keep the ice on the area for 15 minutes at a time every waking hour for the first 24 hours.
Abstract. Background: The herb Arnica montana, in topical formulations, has been reputed to decrease bruising and muscle pain.
Reduces inflammation. Reduces pain. Protects against some damage to capillaries (the small blood vessels that are damaged when bruising occurs) Reduces oedema (fluid and swelling)
Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months. Bruising may last for 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
First and foremost, drink plenty of water! Water serves a lot of functions in the body and will be particularly good to reduce swelling after surgery.
Bruising after surgery is common and normal. After any surgical incision, some blood may leak from small blood vessels under the skin and this causes the bruising.
On the day you get a bruise, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling as well as constrict broken blood vessels. Those vessels then may leak less blood. Avoid heat. In the first two or three days after bruising yourself, a very hot bath or shower could cause more bleeding and swelling.
How does toothpaste get rid of bruises? There's little evidence it does.
Apply ice packs for the first 24 to 48 hours after injury. Wrap the ice pack in a towel and apply ice for no more than 15 minutes at a time. Repeat throughout the day. Apply a heating pad or warm compress to the injured area after two days.
Ice: Ice will help fluids to drain, thereby reducing swelling. Apply ice to the affected body area for the first 48 hours following surgery. Blue ice gel packs will provide the most comfort and can be refrozen as needed. Compression: Cold compresses will also help bring down swelling and reduce bruising time.
