Efficacy of Agnikarma in Vatakantaka w.s.r Plantar Fascitis- A single case study

Abstract

Plantar fascitis, often known as heel discomfort, is one of the most prevalent diagnoses in orthopaedic outpatient departments. It can be associated with Vatakantaka based on clinical symptoms such as first step discomfort and stiffness. Conservative therapy is available in the form of NSAIDs, steroids, and certain techniques such as injection of steroidal injection at local site, iontophoresis. All of these methods give short relief and are linked with well-documented negative effects. In such circumstances, Ayurvedic treatment can provide a complete cure. Acharya Sushrutha mentioned different treatment measures for management of Vatakantaka. Agnikarma is one amongst them and it was used in this case study, to assess the efficacy in relieving pain. A 44-year-old male patient presented to the outpatient clinic with the primary complaint of discomfort in the left heel and foot sole that had been present for two months. According to him, the first few steps after waking up from bed were excruciatingly painful. He received Agnikarma (3 sittings interval of 7 days) at a nearby location and Simhanada Guggulu twice daily for 30 days. The problem was fully treated, with no recurrence. Because this was a single case research, larger sample size validation is required before claiming that plantar fasciitis may be entirely treated without recurrence with Ayurvedic therapy.