Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 2, 2026
Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Use of Arnica to relieve pain after carpal-tunnel release surgery
S L A Jeffrey1, H J C R Belcher
1Department of Plastic Surgery of Queen Victoria Hospital in West Sussex, England.
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.
