The weather has turned warmer-- summer is just around the corner-- and runners are flocking to the streets and trails again. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, just getting started, or somewhere in between, injuries can affect us all. We do what we can to prevent injuries, but sometimes they still happen. Luckily, homeopathy – alone or in combination with other treatments – can help reduce pain, speed healing, and get you back to running sooner.

Homeopathy helps the body heal after an injury, even preventing small problems from becoming worse. The all-natural remedies used in Homeopathy work with the body’s own healing mechanisms to help reduce inflammation – both from acute injuries and chronic conditions – speed the healing of fractures, and strengthen the sites of repeat injuries. Homeopathic remedies are free of side-effects and can be used on their own or in combination with other treatments.

Inflammation and pain is a real and present concern and complaint for athletes. The first homeopathic remedy to reach for after an injury is Arnica. Keep a bottle of Arnica pellets (12C or 30C) or a tube of Arnica gel or cream in your bag for quick access after an accident or injury. If soreness in a particular area or muscle becomes a recurring issue, it might be worth a call to your family doctor, physiotherapist, or local homeopath to ensure there isn’t a deeper issue.

Plantar Fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain in runners. The pain felt in the heel and bottom of the foot when standing or walking is due to inflammation of the plantar fascia – the ligament running along the bottom or your foot connecting your heel and toes. Homeopathic remedies can help reduce the pain from inflammation and micro-trauma. We also recommend you check with your doctor or physiotherapist to address any contributing factors along with having your shoes checked to ensure they are the right fit and type for you.

Do you experience foot pain with the first few steps out of bed in the morning? After sitting for a long time, that lessens as you continue to walk? Use Rhus tox to help alleviate pain that is worse with initial movement and improves with continued movement.

Causticum might be a better choice if your pain is worse with movement. It is most useful for cramping pains, especially in the toes and soles of the feet, which are worse when walking (or running). There may also be tingling, swelling, or coldness of the feet.

Sprains, strains, and repetitive injuries can happen at any stage of the running experience. When these injuries do happen, reach for your Arnica and follow appropriate first-aid measures. After this, help your body speed the healing process with the appropriate remedy to get you running again sooner.

Ruta helps relieve pain, strengthen and stabilize joints after sprains. It works especially well after repetitive injuries, like rolling weak ankles, tennis elbow, and tendonitis. Choose Ruta for injuries to cartilage, tendons, and bone surface that leave deep, aching pains which are worse from rest and cold but better from movement and warmth.

Bryonia works well for injuries where there is a lot of pain and swelling, even after taking Arnica. The pain is worse from any movement (even wiggling your toes hurts your injured ankle) and is relieved by firm pressure, immobilization, and cold compresses.

You will never want to use Symphytum officinale since it is for a broken or fractured bone. After the first-aid treatment, x-ray, and Arnica (for the swelling and bruising), Symphytum helps the body knit broken bones faster, reducing pain and recovery time.

(Remember, in the case of any accident or injury your first step should always be to follow appropriate first aid measures or seek further medical attention if necessary.)