Ayurvedic Intervention for Vatakantak with special reference to Plantar Fasciitis: A Case Study

Abstract

Pain is a significant symptom that disrupts our daily activities and diminishes our quality of life. Heel pain is a particular type of discomfort that can hinder walking, thereby interfering with everyday routines. Among the various causes of heel pain in adults, plantar fasciitis is the most prevalent.^[1] It is estimated that 1 in 10 people will develop Plantar Fasciitis during their life time.^[2] As per Ayurveda it is mentioned by Acharya Sushruta^[4] in the context of Vatavyadhi as a condition of heel due to improper placement of foot on the ground or by walking often correlated to a calcaneal spur which is a calcium deposit causing a bony protrusion on bone often frequently associated with plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammation of tissue. It is a common condition that affects normal routine work. Agnikarma, Snehna, Swedan, & Raktamokshana is the treatment choice of Vatakantaka. A 55-year-old female patient presented with primary complaints of pain in the left heel and sole of the foot which had persisted for one month. The pain intensified during the initial steps taken after rising from bed. The patient underwent Agnikarma treatment, consisting of five sessions at 5-days intervals, at the affected site, along with a regimen of Sinhanaad Guggulu at a dosage of 500 mg thrice daily for 30 days, and Mahavatavidhwansa Rasa 250 mg twice daily for 30 days. The patient’s condition was completely resolved without any recurrence. It is evident that plantar fasciitis can be effectively treated without recurrence through Ayurvedic interventions such as Agnikarma combined with Mruttika Shalaka.