Comprehensive Ayurvedic Management of Calcaneus Spur- A Single Case Study

Abstract

Agnikarma is an important para-surgical procedures mentioned in Ayurveda. It has emerged as integral part of the Ayurvedic therapeutics. Agnikarma is a thermal and minimally invasive procedure that induces controlled, pointed and therapeutic burns over the regions that are tender or painful. Acharya Sushruta has advised Agnikarma for Snayugata Vata and Asthigata Vata. Painful heel due to prolonged standing is relatively common foot problem in modern era and predominant cause of such pain is calcaneal spur. The calcaneal spur is a condition of pointed bony outgrowth of heel bone. Usually, it affects people day to day routine life and once manifested it becomes difficult to cure. It is caused due to deposition of calcium on underside of heel bone over a prolonged period of time. It is diagnosed by the radio-logical examination (X-RAY). As far as modern medicine is concerned there is no safe and cost-effective treatment available of calcaneus spur. Pharmacological treatment used are NSAID’s, analgesic drugs, steroid injections, and exercises. The surgical treatment is release of plantar fascia and excision of calcaneus spur but complications are incomplete relief of pain and nerve damage. In Ayurveda Agnikarma is one of the competent treatments of calcaneus spur. Agnikarma is carried with special instrument called Pancha Dhatu Shalaka. This Shalaka is made up of five metals (Copper, Iron, Zinc, Silver and Gold). A patient successfully treated with Agnikarma therapy is presented in this case study