Management of Vatakantaka (Plantar Fasciitis) with Agnikarma-A Case Study

Acharya Sushruta explained that when a person walk on the irregular or uneven surface, vata gets localized and aggravated in khuda pradesha (Ankle joint) and produce pain in heal region known as Vatakantaka. It can be compared to Plantar Fasciitis.  Plantar Fasciitis is the one of the painful condition in heel that hampers daily activity. Plantar Fasciitis is caused due to repeated stretch and strain of plantar fascia resulting in injury and inflammation which produces heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is managed with analgesic and anti-inflammatory, intra articular steroid injection and surgically by plantar fascia release as per requirement, but such type of treatment increased hospital stay and high economical expenses. Sushruta mentioned agnikarma in management of Vatakantaka which can be done with less economical expenditure and minimum hospitalization. Agnikarma is used in this case study to assess its efficacy in relieving pain. 46 years old female complaints of right heel pain in first few steps in morning and pain relived after walking, and again pain developed after prolonged period of rest. Patient was treated by Samyak Bindu vat Agnikarma at ankle region in 4 sittings at the interval of 7 days, which given complete relief from pain.