Homeopathic Remedies for Tendinitis

Tendinitis, the inflammation of a tendon, occurs at the joints of the human body, including the ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow and shoulder. Commonly the result of a repetitive stress injury or from overuse, tendinitis occurs where a muscle attaches to a bone. Tendons, like ligaments, are made of fibrous soft tissue, which is strong and flexible, yet can cause pain when injured. Several homeopathic remedies are available to treat and reduce the pain of tendinitis. Consultation with a qualified practitioner should be sought for chronic conditions.

The homeopathic remedy Arnica montana, also known as leopard's bane, is a small flowering mountain plant which, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is "often the first remedy used for injuries such as sprains and bruises." It is indicated in tendinitis when the injury to the soft tissue has specifically resulted from a sudden, blunt trauma.

Arnica montana is available both as a topical gel to be applied to an inflamed joint and in tablet form. Taken at the first sign of injury, Arnica may help speed recovery. As with many homeopathic remedies, it is available over-the-counter in health food stores and pharmacies. Two tablets may be taken three times a day, which should be allowed to dissolve under the tongue. Directions are also indicated on the label.

Commonly known as poison ivy, Rhus toxicodendron is another homeopathic remedy available in tablet form used to treat tendinitis. It is one of the most important joint remedies used in homeopathy, especially when the associated pain of the inflammation is a burning or bruised sensation. One of the main indications for using this remedy after a sprain or injury to a tendon is a feeling of restlessness. Initial movement of the joint is painful, but with continued activity, the pain eases. Rhus tox is useful in treating tendinitis that has resulted from overuse or from an injury from repetitive stress, such as the condition known as tennis elbow.

The pain associated with tendinitis that will respond particularly well to Ruta graveolens is one of feeling bruised or beaten. Similar to the symptoms of Rhus tox, a person needing Ruta for treatment of inflammation will feel worse from cold air or applications, and worse in wet weather. However, pain is relieved by motion, or activity of the affected part.

In "A Physician's Posy," homeopath and doctor Dorothy Shepherd writes of Ruta graveolens that it is should be used "when there is slow repair, when there are hardened masses in tendons with contractions of the flexor muscles." In other words, Ruta is the indicated homeopathic remedy where tendinitis is slow to heal. Dr. Andrew Weil advises taking Rhus tox or Ruta for the treatment of tendinitis in the 6c to 30c potency. Both remedies are sold over-the-counter as supplements.