Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar faciitis is basically a Vata Vyadhi according to ayurveda, and is called as VATAKANTAK - the pain is

as if "pricked by thorns".

It is the condition in which the Plantar Fascia of foot gets inflamed, causing pain mainly in medial aspect of foot and heel region. Generally it occurs due to very strenuous activities like running or walking for very long distances or walking on uneven surfaces or even standing in one place for longer durations causing trauma to the tissue and fascia in the foot.

At initial stage the pain will be only in the heel region on long standing or during walking but if neglected, the pain spreads in achilles tendon and all along the lining of the foot.

Treatment Measures

• Stop doing heavy activities which exert a lot of pressure on the foot and rest your feet every now and then.
• Try some stretching exercises of calf muscles, achilles tendon and foot.
• Follow "Vatahara Ahara" i.e. light food such as mung soup with mild spices, rice and dal. Avoid fermented food and sour items such as curd, tamarind etc which actually increases the Vata.
• Sthinika Abhyanga(local massage) by  eranda taila (Castor oil), tila taila (Sesame oil) or any other Vatahara Oil. This should be followed by diping the foot in hot water mixed with salt or Nirgundi Kashaya.
• Dipping your feet or heel in Tila Taila boiled with garlic also gives much relief if followed for a period of at least ten days. This may be repeated if required.
• Taking Rasnaerandadi Kashaya and Yogaraj Guggulu is also known to be beneficial.
• Istika Sweda-where the brick is heated until  it becomes red hot and then pouring kanji(rice water) over it. It's fomentation is given to affected areas. This is proven to be very effective treatment of Vatakantak.
• Agni Karma (cauterisation) with Panchakola Shalaka can also be followed.
• Raktavasechan(blood letting) has also been used to treat this.