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

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.