Abstract
This case report highlights the efficacy of Arnica montana 200 in managing extensive post traumatic ecchymosis with associated pain and restricted mobility in a 70-year-old female patient. A significant reduction in discoloration and symptoms was observed within 4 days, with complete recovery in 7 days. This case demonstrates the usefulness of individualized homeopathy in acute traumatic injuries.
Key Words – Fall, Trauma, Ecchymosis, Homoeopathy, Arnica Montana, case report
Introduction – Traumatic injuries with resultant ecchymosis and deep bruising are common, especially among the elderly population. Such injuries can lead to considerable pain, immobility, and psychological distress. Homoeopathy offers safe and effective management options for trauma cases, minimizing the need for analgesics or anti inflammatory drugs. Arnica Montana is a well-established remedy in such cases, indicated for shock, bruising, pain, and soreness following trauma.
Cause
Post-traumatic ecchymosis occurs when blunt trauma leads to rupture of capillaries, causing blood to leak into surrounding tissues. In elderly patients, weakened connective tissue and slower healing make them more vulnerable to extensive bruising even from minor falls.
Case Profile
A 70-year-old female presented to the OPD of government homoeopathic medical college and hospital on 04/03/2025 with complaints of pain and extensive bruising on the right gluteal and upper posterior thigh region following a fall on a hard surface one day prior. She experienced difficulty walking, sitting, and changing posture due to severe pain.
Chief Complaints
Severe, sore, bruised pain over the right buttock and thigh.
Extensive bluish-green discoloration (ecchymosis) with mild swelling.
Restricted movement due to pain and tenderness.
Onset: Sudden, immediately after a fall.
Location: Right gluteal and posterior thigh region.
Sensation & Pain: Pain described as deep, sore, bruised, as if beaten.
Increased sensitivity to touch and movement.
Modalities:
Aggravation: Motion, pressure, touch, walking, bending, sitting on the affected side.
Amelioration: Lying still, cold application, rest.
Associated Symptoms:
No open wound or fracture.
No fever, dizziness, or systemic complaints.
Sleep disturbed due to pain.
Past History
No prior history of easy bruising or clotting disorders. No ongoing medication like anticoagulants or steroids.
Family History
No significant history
Physical Generals
Appetite – Adequate
Thirst- Normal
Sleep – Disturbed due to pain
Stool- Normal
Urine – Normal
Thermal- Chilly
Mental Generals
– Anxious and worried about the bruise
– Fear of internal damage or fracture
– Slight irritability due to pain and immobility
Provisional Diagnosis
Post-traumatic ecchymosis with soft tissue contusion
Dominant Miasm
Sycotic
Repertorial Totality
1. MIND- ANXIETY- Health, about
2. EXTREMITIES- DISCOLORATION- Thigh, blue marks
3. EXTREMITIES- PAIN- sore, bruised
4. EXTREMITIES- PAIN- sore, bruised, Hip
5. EXTREMITIES- PAIN- sore, bruised, Thigh
6. SKIN- DISCOLORATION- bluish spots
7. SKIN- DISCOLORATION- green spots
8. SKIN- DISCOLORATION- red
9. SKIN- ECCHYMOSES
10. GENERALITIES- INJURIES (including blows, falls and bruises)
11. GENERALITIES- INJURIES, extravasation, with
Basis of Prescription: The above mentioned rubrics were taken for repertorisation. After repertorisation and in consultation with materia medica Arnica Montana was selected.
Prescription
Date: 04/03/2025
Rx- Arnica Montana 200 / TDS / 3 Days
Follow Ups
| DATE | COMPLAINTS | PRESCRIPTION |
| 06/03/2025 | Pain reduced by 50%, ecchymosis fading, walking easier | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 7days |
| 08/03/2025 | Pain minimal, bruise mostly resolved, full mobility returned | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 7days |
| 10/03/2025 | No residual symptoms, general well-being improved | Rx- Rubrum 30/ BD / 7days |
DAY 1 DAY 5 DAY 7
DISCUSSION
This case demonstrates the classical application of homeopathic principles in acute cases. Arnica montana was selected based on the physical totality (trauma, bruised soreness, ecchymosis, pain worse from motion) and matched the patient’s mental state. The remedy acted curatively, resolving symptoms quickly and preventing complications. This reaffirms the therapeutic scope of homeopathy in acute musculoskeletal trauma.
Conclusion
Arnica Montana 200, selected after accurate case-taking and repertorization, effectively treated a case of traumatic ecchymosis in an elderly patient. This case underscores the efficacy of homeopathy as a first line approach in trauma cases.
References:
1. Kent, J.T. Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers. 2. Boericke’s, W. Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica with Repertory. B. Jain Publishers.
3. Clarke, J.H. A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica. B. Jain Publishers. 4. Habif, T.P. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy, 7th Edition. Elsevier.
AUTHOR
Dr. Roshni Patidar
MD Scholar, Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica
Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh .
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
DR. SHOBHANA SHUKLA
HOD and Professor of Department of Homoeopathic Materia Medica
Government Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
