DEFINITION
Planter fasciitis is an inflammation of the thick band of tissue in that connects yhe heel bone to the toes.
According to Ayurveda this condition is referred to as Vatakandaka resulting from the vitiation of vata along with other doshas and dhatus (tissues).
CAUSES- Playing sports
- Exercising or working on a hard surface
- Obesity
- High arch feet
- Flat foot
- Improper footwear
SYMPTOMS
- Stabbing pain in the bottom of foot near the heels.
- Swelling around heel
- Pain in the arch of foot.
- Pain after long period of standing or sitting.
- Pain during activities like running , walking or lifiting heavy weights.
AYURVEDA TREATMENT FOR PLANTER FASCIITIS
- Abhyanga (oil massage )
In this therapy warm herbal oil massages on the heels. Thus help to improve circulation , reduces stiffness .
- Swedana (heat therapy)
Heat therapy is applied to the heels using ishtika sweda ( heated briks ). This reduces inflammation , enhances blood flow and provides pain relief.
- Avagaha (foot soaking)
Soaking the feet in warm herbal oils .
- Dhara ( Medicated oil dripping)
- In this medicated oils are gently poured over the heels. This reduces inflammation and pain .
- Poultice and Bandaging - In this herbal mixtures are applied on he skin and covered with a bandage.
- Agni Karma (controlled cauterization)
It stimulates blood circulation.
PANCHAKARMA PROCEDURES
- Virechana (purgation) - this eliminates vitiated pitta and vata doshas , nourishing bone tissue.
- Basti (medicated enema) - herbal oils or medicated milk to heal pain and inflammation.
-
Rakta Mokshana (blood letting)- Helps in relieving pain and inflammation.
HOME REMEDIES FOR PLANTER FASCIITIS
- Hot water fomentation with himalayan salt or regular salt .
- Warm brick fomentation
- Coconut oil massage.
- Apply ice packs on heels.
- Paste of garlic and camphor can be applied on heel.
- Fomentation using castor leaves mixed with coconut.
- Tadasana
- Utkatasana
- Vajrasana
- Paschimottanasana
