Home Remedies For A Broken Ankle

At one time or another, many people experience injuries to their feet, including broken bones. Injuries may occur during sports activities in children, and the elderly may break an ankle due to loss of balance. Regardless of the cause, a broken ankle is painful. Certain home remedies may soothe the pain and speed recovery. Some home remedies, especially herbs, can produce serious side effects, so medical supervision is necessary when using herbal treatments.

Homeopathic Arnica Montana

The homeopathic remedy Arnica Montana, also called Arnica, is known for its ability to treat shock due to injuries, according to Dr. Margaret Tyler in her book, "Homeopathic Drug Pictures."

Arnica is indicated immediately after any injury. It reduces swelling, internal bleeding, bruising and pain. A strong sign that someone with a broken ankle needs Arnica is when he or she refuses to allow anyone to touch his or her foot, leg or ankle. Arnica will help to reduce swelling, hasten healing time and lessen pain. Arnica is available as a homeopathic remedy, and may be an ingredient in injury creams for topical application. Topical Arnica in the form of creams or tinctures should never be applied to an open wound or taken orally. Homeopathic Arnica may be taken orally. Consult with a homeopathic practitioner for directions and dosage instructions in the event of a broken bone. Arnica is available in health food stores and from online homeopathic pharmacies.

Comfrey

Herbal comfrey, also called knit-bone or by its Latin name, Symphytum officinale, has been used by herbalists and Native Americans for hundreds of years for treatment of broken bones. One method for using comfrey leaves for broken bones is as a poultice, according to Learning Herbs.

Chop two hands full of fresh comfrey leaves into pieces, place in the blender with approximately 1/4 cup water, and blend. Place the mixture into a bowl and add one to two cups flour until the mixture resembles a thick paste. Spread the paste on a clean, thin cloth and fold over to make a sandwich with the comfrey in the middle. Apply the poultice to the broken ankle. The comfrey can be used cold or warmed for comfort. Comfrey can also be used in a salve applied to the broken ankle for pain relief and to speed healing.

Comfrey can be grown in anyone's back yard. Preparations made from comfrey for broken bones may be very helpful for healing; however, comfrey is highly toxic and may cause severe liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Do not consume comfrey orally. Avoid using comfrey on open wounds. If using comfrey topically in a salve or poultice, do not continue use after ten days time. Only use comfrey under the supervision of a trained, knowledgeable herbalist. When used properly and with safety precautions, comfrey can be a remarkably effective healing herb to rejuvenate broken bones.

Horsetail

Used as far back as ancient Rome and Greece, the herb horsetail has been found effective for treating broken bones and repairing cartilage, according to the Nutrition Research Center. The properties of horsetail help to mend bones and connective tissue by forming collagen. Horsetail is also used to treat urinary tract infections and acts as a mild diuretic, adds the Nutrition Research Center. Consult with an herbalist or other practitioner familiar with this herb for directions and dosage recommendations. Horsetail is available in health food stores.