An Ayurvedic Management of Chronic Heel Pain: A Single Case Report

Abstract

Chronic heel pain commonly caused by conditions such as plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spurs, Achilles tendinitis, calcaneal fractures, calcaneal apophysitis, heel-pad atrophy, acute plantar fascia tears, and retrocalcaneal bursitis significantly impairs mobility and quality of life. In Ayurveda, this condition can be correlated with Vatakantaka, Aamvata, Sandhigata Vata, and Vatarakta. This case report describes a 65-year-old male patient was suffering from left heel and sole of foot pain since 5 months. The pain intensified during the initial steps taken after rising from bed.  Heel pain managed primarily with Agnikarma as the first-line intervention along with selected herbo-mineral compounds. The patient underwent Agnikarma treatment, consisting of eight sessions, at the affected site, along with a regimen of Gokshuradi Guggulu at a dosage of 500 mg thrice daily after food for 15 days, and Mahavatavidhwansa Rasa 125 mg thrice daily for 15 days, Agnitundi vati 500mg thrice a day after food. The patient’s condition was completely resolved without any recurrence. It is evident that chronic heel pain can be effectively treated without recurrence through Ayurvedic interventions such as Agnikarma combined with Mruttika Shalaka.