nutritional help for sprained ligaments or bone issues

[momofmine]

My son hurt his foot the other night, the big toe, and it is likely a bad sprain. It was pretty swollen. What kinds of alternative things can be done for sprains, or even if there is possibly a small chip off the bone, what helps heal bones fast? Even if it is broken, the treatment is probably the same, given the type of injury. We have not had an x-ray, but we might get one tomorrow depending on what it looks like by then. Mostly just rest, ice and elevation, and wearing a sturdy show that keeps the joint from bending while it heals.

What nutritional, herbal, etc, things can I do that will help with inflammation, pain, healing of ligaments and possible bones?

I am already doing Vit C, homeopathic remedies for swelling and trauma, and ice. Will do bone broth and Epsom salt soaks today.

I read on Randall Neustadter's website that curcumin and bromelain can help as anti-inflammatories.
http://www.cure-guide.com/Articles_o.../injuries.html

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[Mirzam]

Originally Posted by momofmine

What nutritional, herbal, etc, things can I do that will help with inflammation, pain, healing of ligaments and possible bones?

I am already doing Vit C, homeopathic remedies for swelling and trauma, and ice. Will do bone broth and Epsom salt soaks today.

I read on Randall Neustadter's website that curcumin and bromelain can help as anti-inflammatories.
http://www.cure-guide.com/Articles_o.../injuries.html

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

I would do what you are already doing, minus the vit C (I don't like to do extra/non nutritional vit C because of toxicity concerns*). Personally, I also wouldn't do supplements and just make sure that he is getting a nutrient dense diet. Kids' bodies heal quickly. Inflammation is part of the body's healing and reminds us not to over use the injured part to allow the healing to take place. My son is currently healing from a foot injury (planter faciitis so a little different) and we do have him ice it after playing or practicing soccer which does seem to help.

* ETA: by toxicity, I mean [toxic] build-up of synthetic vitamin C in the body.

[JonahRoo]

one thing that works wonders is a cold/hot flush where he submerges his foot in ice cold water for 10 mins and then hot water for 10 mins. then again in the cold water for 5 mins and hot for 5 mins and then again in cold for two minutes and hot for two minutes. this flushes old blood out of the injured area and brings in new over and over again. it really works well. he can do this every day and even a few times a day. it provides a lot of relief and healing.

[mom61508]

Originally Posted by momofmine

My son hurt his foot the other night, the big toe, and it is likely a bad sprain. It was pretty swollen. What kinds of alternative things can be done for sprains, or even if there is possibly a small chip off the bone, what helps heal bones fast? Even if it is broken, the treatment is probably the same, given the type of injury. We have not had an x-ray, but we might get one tomorrow depending on what it looks like by then. Mostly just rest, ice and elevation, and wearing a sturdy show that keeps the joint from bending while it heals.

What nutritional, herbal, etc, things can I do that will help with inflammation, pain, healing of ligaments and possible bones?

I am already doing Vit C, homeopathic remedies for swelling and trauma, and ice. Will do bone broth and Epsom salt soaks today.

I read on Randall Neustadter's website that curcumin and bromelain can help as anti-inflammatories.
http://www.cure-guide.com/Articles_o.../injuries.html

Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Curcumin so so good for inflammation! Mag phos too! Check out the cell salt thread those would be helpful I'm sure.

[mbravebird]

I'd do castor oil packs to help with the muscles and general healing, and horsetail tea to help with the bone and ligaments. Or any type of silica, although a whole-food based one like horsetail is best, imo.

If you have access to comfrey, that can do wonders for both bones and muscles. I have some growing in my yard right now -- maybe you know someone who does?

[momofmine]

Thanks everyone. I am sorry I did not reply sooner. He is doing much better. I do have comfrey! I have two plants, and they are huge already. Would you make a poultice and apply externally? I have these two huge comfrey plants but I have never figured out how to actually use them. Do you use just the leaves?

And we are also doing cell salts, thanks for the reminder! I need to go and get mag phos too, thank you!

I will try the cold and hot flushes tomorrow.

Thanks everyone!

[mbravebird]

Yes, the leaves! You need to bruise them significantly, which might be easiest to do by putting them in the blender with a little water. Then apply to the site. But you can also just crush them with your hands. When I hurt my big toe very badly, peeling back the toenail, I picked a comfrey leaf, crushed it and bruised it in my hand, then applied it to the toe, holding it on with a bandaid. It was pretty miraculous -- the toe didn't even bruise. It definitely is most effective when done immediately after the injury, but it will still help an older injury, too.

Hope he's all better soon!!

[momofmine]

Thank you, he is doing much better. He still has some bruising in a band right around the middle of his toe, but it doesn't hurt him any more. I am actually not sure now how long to keep him off of it, because he wants to get up and run around.