Long-term effect of ancient Ayurvedic Agnikarma therapy on heel pain associated with calcaneal spur: A case report

Abstract

We report the therapeutic effect of ancient Ayurvedic Agnikarma therapy on severe heel pain due to calcaneal spur. The patient, female, 34 years of age, presented with localized, severe and intermittent heel pain which increased with physical activities such as walking or running. A lateral X-ray revealed a large, well-defined bony projection at the base of calcaneus in both the heels. Agnikarma is an ancient Indian Ayurvedic surgical treatment for pain associated with ligament, joints and bones. It involves first- or second-degree burn (thermal cauterization) delivered precisely to the site of pain by using a specialized tool namely Shalaka, made up of five metals. Agnikarma provides instant, long-term and sustainable relief from chronic or acute pain by balancing the local vata and kapha doshas without any side effects. In the present case, Agnikarma treatment was administered for three consecutive weeks and the heel pain was rated on the Pain Analog Scale at each follow-up for up to three years. The patient reported a decrease in pain at each follow-up. No concomitant treatment was given for heel pain during the follow-up period. Agnikarma can have incredible benefits in the management of acute or chronic disorders of joints, ligaments and bones. Further, Agnikarma therapy is cost-effective and does not require hospitalization of the patient.