Iontophoresis with Murivenna kwatha as an adjunctive therapy in the management of Vata kantaka (Plantar fasciitis): A case report

Abstract

Vata kantaka (~plantar fasciitis) is mentioned as one of Nanatmaja vatavyadhi (~disease caused by Vata dosha). It is manifested due to constant exposure on uneven surface or walking over an irregular surface for long period. Patients suffering from Vata kantaka usually complain of pain at the heel that gradually increases when a patient starts walking in the morning. One in ten people suffers from plantar fasciitis in their lifetime and conventional treatment has limitations in providing satisfactory relief. A 35-year-old male patient visited Asthi-sandhi-marma roga Outpatient Department with plantar fasciitis in left foot. Seven sittings of iontophoresis with Murivenna kwatha (~decoction of Murivenna formulation) were done on alternate day and rolling plantar exercise daily for 10 min. Satisfactory relief in pain score was found after the seventh sitting. Visual Analog Scale was reduced from 8 to 1 and Maryland foot score was increased from 45 to 96 by the end of the seventh sitting. No recurrence was reported during the follow-up of four months. Murivenna kwatha possesses Vatadosha (~functional units of body) pacifying properties, Shulahara (~analgesic), and Shophahara (~anti-inflammatory). Iontophoresis possibly enhances transdermal absorption of Murivenna kwatha. This iontophoresis in combination with Murivenna kwatha rendered significant relief from pain in the management of plantar fasciitis.