Effect of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) Ksharajala over Recurrent Ganglion Cyst of Great Toe - Case Report

Abstract

Ganglion cysts are cystic swelling occurring in relation to tendon sheath or synovial sheath or joint capsule containing clear gel like fluid. They usually occur at the dorsum of wrist (Near scaphoid-lunate articulation), flexor aspect of wrist and occasionally around ankle joint. Its occurrence in the great toe is rare. The condition is managed by injecting sclerosing agent like hyaluronidase or by excision. In Ayurveda, swellings are usually compared to Granthi but it is difficult to corelate ganglion cyst to a particular type of Granthi. In this case study, a 52-year-old male patient reported to the outpatient Department of Shalya Tantra SDMCAH, Hassan, with repeated complaints of swelling in plantar aspect of great toe with occasional tingling and numbness every month. The swelling was diagnosed as ganglion cyst. Excision of swelling followed by Apamarga Ksharajala was done. No reoccurrence of cyst along with relief in clinical manifestations was the outcome. Therefore, this case report proposes an innovative treatment modality for management of ganglion cyst and the observation made here would be useful for organizing future clinical trials.