Homeopathic medicine, treatment and remedies for Swelling in Feet

• Arnica Montana
  Common name: Leopard’s bane
  Symptoms: This medicine is best suited to people who have been suffering from feet swelling for a long time due to an injury or trauma. Other conditions that respond to this remedy include:
  • Swelling in feet that occurs after a sprain, fall, fracture, joint dislocation or excessive walking
  • Swelling in feet due to heart disorders, gout and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Swelling in particular region of the feet, with black and blue spots due to internal bleeding
  • Severe pain and soreness in the swollen areas of feet
  • Pain and swelling aggravated with the slightest touch, after taking rest and in cold damp weather
  • Symptoms relieved by lying down in head low position 

Animal-based studies suggest that arnica montana is effective in reducing swelling caused by variations in blood circulation in inflammatory conditions.

• Apis Mellifica
  Common name: The honey bee
  Symptoms: This medicine acts well in people who are restless and nervous. They are clumsy and have a tendency to drop things. The following conditions respond well to this remedy:
  • Swelling all over the body and feet from disorders related to kidneys
  • Arthritis and synovitis (inflammation in joint capsule)
  • Shiny, waxy appearance of swollen area
  • A sensation of constriction and stiffness in the swollen area of feet
  • Feeling as if the foot has grown in size
  • Weakness, soreness and tiredness
  • Swelling in feet after walking
  • A severe burning sensation in legs, which feels like a bee sting and is usually associated with heart problems
  • A burning sensation that gets aggravated with the slightest touch and after applying pressure on the affected area
  • Symptoms relieved by cold applications and keeping the painful area uncovered 

 Lab-studies indicate that that apis mellifica is effective in reducing inflammation in the kidneys (nephrotic syndrome) thus relieving feet swelling occurring due to this condition.

• Rhus Toxicodendron
  Common name: Poison ivy
  Symptoms: This medicine is useful in the treatment of swelling in feet resulting from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, skin infection (cellulitis), physical exertion due to excessive walking which causes strain on the muscles and ligaments in the feet and calcium deposition in the feet (calcaneal spur). Patients who benefit from poison ivy present with the following symptoms:
  • A feeling of heat with severe pain and stiffness in swollen areas of feet, which gives a sensation as if the leg is paralysed
  • Pain aggravated by cold, damp air and rest
  • Pain relieved by walking, hot application and frequent change in position

A research study showed the effectiveness of rhus tox in the treatment of calcaneal spur, which results in severe pain and swelling in the heel of the foot.

An animal study demonstarted that rhus tox reduces inflammation and thereby the swelling in feet. 

According to a clinical study published in the Indian Jurnal of Research in Homeopathy, homoepathic remedies including rhus toxicodendron, apis mellifica, pulsatilla nigricans, bryonia alba, silicea and hepar sulphuris were successful in reducing swelling (lymphoedema) and pain in feet during an acute attack of adenolymphangitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels) in people suffering from chronic filariasis.

• Causticum
  Common name: Hahnemann’s tinctura acris sine kali
  Symptoms: This medicine acts best in people with a dark complexion and strong muscles. The following symptoms respond well to this remedy:
  • Swelling in feet due to rheumatoid arthritis, old age, paralysis, dislocation of joints and gout
  • Very stiff tendons and ligaments associated that produce  a cracking sound on movement
  • Severe tearing pain in feet, which improves after application of heat or from warmth of bed
  • Cramps in feet extending from the heel up to calf muscles
  • Swelling in the small joints of feet due to increased uric acid levels in blood (gout)
  • Development of wrinkles and purple bruises on the swollen area
  • Swelling in feet aggravated in clear weather and better in damp and wet atmosphere

In vivo (animal based) studies suggest that a regular dose of causticum has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and would hence be successful in decreasing inflammation and swelling in feet.

• Lachesis Mutus
  Common name: Bushmaster, surukuku
  Symptoms: This medicine acts best in thin, weak people with strange imaginations. It is also effective for menopausal women and old people. The following symptoms respond well to this remedy:
  • Swelling in feet chiefly caused by varicose veins
  • Marble-like appearance of the swollen area, with a network of blue and purple blood vessels
  • Varicose veins associated with ulcers, which make the affected foot swollen and hard
  • Rheumatism associated with intense swelling in legs and feet
  • Pain and swelling increase during sleep and are better after warmth application 

It has been demonstrated by research studies that homeopathic medicines such as curcuma longa and tribulus terresteris in the form of mother tinctures possess anti-inflammatory activity and are effective in reducing inflammatory swelling. 

Homeopathic medicines are administered in very small doses just enough to trigger the healing power of the body and generate a positive response. However, their potency can seriously get affected due to certain lifestyle and dietary factors. For effective treatment of feet swelling it is important to take the below-mentioned points into consideration.

Do’s

• Follow a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients and free from artificial flavours, colouring agents and medicinal properties
• Include regular and moderate exercises in daily routine
• Keep your mind active by reading informative books
• Keep your surroundings clean

Don’ts

• Avoid strong coffee and soups with spices and herbs
• Avoid food items that contain artificial colours and flavours and those which have a strong smell
• Avoid eating spoilt and stale vegetables and animal products like meat and eggs
• Avoid overeating and excess intake of salt and sugar in your diet
• Keep away from a humid and damp environment.
• Avoid sitting, reclining or lying down for long periods of time, as it can aggravate swelling in feet

Homeopathic treatment is based on the law of similars. According to this, a medicine that produces certain symptoms in healthy people can be used for the treatment of similar symptoms (of a disease condition) in sick people. The selected homeopathic medicine, which has a symptom picture similar to the symptoms of the patient, establishes a permanent cure without causing discomfort to the patient. The tendency of the patient to suffer from a particular disease (miasm) also helps in the selection of the right remedy in a suitable dose. Homeopathic medicine thus selected by a qualified homeopathic physician triggers the body’s immune system in reducing swelling in feet by treating the underlying condition causing the symptom and improves the general health of the patient.

Different research studies show that homeopathic medicines reduce inflammation, which subsequently decreases the pain and swelling in different joints associated with inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, homeopathic medicines also help in improving the quality of life by reducing the discomfort and distress caused by the pain and swelling.

These remedies have also been found to reduce swelling in feet caused by varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis.

The establishment of a cure without any side effects is the biggest advantage of homeopathic treatment. Moreover, there is no risk associated with homeopathic remedies. These medicines can be safely taken along with allopathic medicines without any serious effects.

However, taking a wrong remedy or the wrong dosage of a remedy may lead to some secondary effects that may not be related to the disease being treated.  Hence, it is important to start the homeopathic treatment under the supervision of a qualified homeopathic doctor.

Homeopathic treatment is based on the concept of individualisation and the law of similars. Every individual suffering from swelling in feet is treated with a specific remedy best suited for the person. This constitutional remedy helps in relieving feet swelling by treating the root cause. As a result, the established cure is sustained for a long time along with a general improvement in overall health. Homeopathic medicines also help in preventing the recurrence of a condition when there is no permanent damage to the tissue.