Educational information on traditional homeopathic use only. Not medical advice.
Sprains, strains and bruises are the everyday bumps of life: a turned ankle on the stairs, a pulled calf in a five-a-side match, a coffee-table collision that leaves a purple mark. They are also what Traumeel was built around. Our product pages list the traditional indications for the ampoules as injuries such as sprains, dislocations, contusions and effusions of blood, together with swelling and bruising of soft tissues and muscles. This guide explains what those words mean and how ampoules are traditionally used, with sensible limits.
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Sprain, strain, bruise: what is the difference?
- Sprain: a stretched or torn ligament, the tissue that joins bone to bone. Ankles and wrists are classic spots.
- Strain: an overstretched or torn muscle or tendon, such as a pulled hamstring.
- Bruise (contusion): bleeding under the skin after a direct blow, which shows as colour change and tenderness. The page's "effusions of blood" refers to this kind of bleeding into the tissues.
All three can come with swelling, and the traditional label for Traumeel mentions swelling and post-traumatic oedema of the soft tissues specifically.
First things first
A remedy is not first aid. For a fresh injury, many people follow standard advice: rest, protect the area, gentle compression where appropriate and elevation. Seek medical help straight away for any of the following:
- you cannot put weight on the limb, or the joint looks deformed;
- severe pain, numbness, pins and needles or colour change in the limb;
- a head injury, confusion or drowsiness after a knock;
- a very large or fast-growing bruise, or bruising with no clear cause;
- a suspected fracture. The label lists fractures among the traditional indications, but a broken bone needs proper medical care first.
How ampoules are traditionally used
The directions are to break the ampoule at the marker, tap it into a glass of water and take it by mouth over 15 to 20 minutes, outside of food. For acute disorders our pages show daily use: 1 ampoule a day, or as advised by a practitioner. That is label wording, not advice to you personally, and you should follow the box in your hand and ask a practitioner if you are unsure how long to carry on. Other methods of use, including injection (i.m., s.c., i.d., i.v.), are for trained individuals, e.g. practitioners.
Our guide to taking ampoules by mouth goes through the process.
Which ingredients are associated with knocks?
Arnica is the headline name, with Bellis perennis, calendula, hamamelis and yarrow also in the list. For what each is and how it is traditionally described, read the ingredient guide, and for the difference between Traumeel and arnica alone see Traumeel versus arnica.
Ampoules plus topical forms
Because bruises and sprains are local, many people use a topical form on the skin as well. The gel and ointment are options. See which form to choose. Our existing articles on a rolled ankle and bumps and bruises go into everyday scenarios.
Building a small home kit
A box of 10 ampoules in the cupboard is enough for many households, especially with children playing sport. Families with a busy sporting calendar sometimes go for the box of 100 (see which box). Add a cold pack, an elastic bandage and a phone number for your GP.
Who should check first?
Ask your practitioner or doctor before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if the injured person is a child, if you take blood-thinning or other regular medication (bruising on blood thinners should always be reviewed by a clinician), or if you react to daisy-family plants.
Frequently asked questions
Will it make a bruise disappear?
We make no promise about results or timing. Bruises change colour and fade in their own time. See how long Traumeel takes to work.
Can I take ampoules for a sprained ankle?
They are traditionally used for sprains. A significant ankle injury should still be examined, particularly if you cannot walk on it.
Is it safe for my child's football knock?
Ask your practitioner first, and have anything beyond a minor knock checked.
How many ampoules should I take?
Follow the directions on your box and your practitioner's guidance.
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