Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a fibrous tissue present at the bottom of foot that connects heel bone to the toes. Plantar fasciitis, a common cause of heel pain. It may lead to a debilitating condition of foot. Planter fascia is a think band kind of ligament, that get inflamed and cause pain, swelling, and stiffness. It may get better with icing, rest, supportive braces, and over-the-counter pain relief agents. If pain doesn’t improve, or if it is frequent then one should take proper treatment otherwise it can become a life time trouble.

Now a day’s Plantar fasciitis has become one of the most common orthopedic complaints. Reason plantar fascia ligaments experience a lot of wear in tear day to day routine very fast life pace, no rest, high heels, lack of exercise etc.

Here we are going to discuss Ayurveda solution for the condition and providing a way to pain-free feet. Ayurveda solution may solve the issue permanently in some cases and with dietary and lifestyle adaptations to prevent may help alleviate this painful condition in those cases where the cause cannot be corrected. 

 

Signs and symptoms;

  • Intense pain while standing up after a resting period. 
  • Once it get trigger, there will be a dull, constant ache all the time. 
  • Sharp or stabbing pain on putting pressure on the heel. 
  • Pain may get better temporarily on stretching or exercising.
  •  

Complications;

  • Rupture of the tendon, primarily if corticosteroid injections are employed
  • Fat pad necrosis
  • Flattening of the arch
  • Gait abnormalities
  • Issues in the foot, knee, hip, and back due to improper posture and weight.

Risk factors;

Plantar fasciitis is often associated with runners and older adults, but other risk factors include;

Obesity, heel pad atrophy, aging, occupations requiring prolonged standing high arch feet or flat feet, tight Achilles tendons,shoes with soft soles and poor arch support and weight-bearing.

 

Possible Treatments;

Treatment is largely no operative, with 90%–95% of patients experiencing resolution of symptoms with, activity modification, physiotherapy, stretching exercises, shoe inserts, pain relievers, applying ice, steroid injections and in some case surgery.

 

 

 

Ayurveda perspective and solution of Planter fasciitis

Planter Fasciitis can be correlated to the vatakantaka resulting from the vitiation of Vata. Due to the causes vata dosha get vitiated either alone or along with kapha dosha get lodged in to the tissues of heal and result in to pain and inflammation. That if remain untreated can cause a sharp, stinging pain in the heel of the foot.

At Ketav’s Ayush Health Paradise, first of all we do the Prakrity analysis by Nadi Pariksha, then we try to dig out the possible causes of the pathology. With the Nidan Pariverjana (avoiding the causes) chikitsa, some specialized Ayurveda therapies are performed for the correction of the pathological condition.   

Pada Abhyanga – A traditional Ayurvedic massage technique involving herbal oil massages on the foot and calf. It improves circulation, reduces stiffness, eases pain helps to correct the vata dosha imbalance.

Ishtar Swedana – A specialized fomentation therapy where fomentation done by applying heated bricks and medicated sour liquid.  This reduces inflammation, enhances blood flow, and provides pain relief.

Avagaha therapy –  This involve soaking of foot in to the warm herbal oil, decoctions or other liquid prprepations like kanjika for a specific duration. This therapy effectively alleviates heel pain and discomfort.

Dhara therapy – A unique therapy procedure involves pouring of medicated liquid gently over the affected area. This provides instant relief in acute conditions and promotes healing in due course.

Upnaha and Pinda therapy – These are Ayurvedic bandaging and poultice therapies. Where the herbal pastes or mixtures are applied directly to the skin and covered with a bandage. These therapies help in overall healing of the deeper tissues involved in the condition.

Agni Karma –  This is a specialized therapy where a controlled cauterization is done with Agni karma yenrta, made up of different metals. It may work as the shock therapy and can stimulates circulation and nerve endings.  

With Above Ayurvedic Specialized Treatment Plantar Fascitis can be effectively managed and can avoid injections, surgery, and other proceeding complications. The Duration of treatment varies one week to a month depending on the severity of the pathology. Move on to pain free steps with Ketav’s Ayush health paradise Ayurveda therapies.

By;  Dr. Seema Santoshi.