Calcaneal Spur Ayurvedic Treatment

These are the abnormal bony growth at the back of heel or sole. Calcaneal spur at the heel is often associated with Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon attached to the heel), and that at the sole is associated with plantar fasciitis (inflammation of sheath-like structure called fascia at the sole).

Calcaneal Spur Signs and Symptoms

Pain on heel/s, difficulty to walk and a bony projection (spur) from the heel. Some person may not have any difficulties associated with the spur except a bony projection from the heel.

Calcaneal Spur Ayurvedic Analysis

Vatakantaka is a type of vatavyadhi (disease caused by aggravated vata) affecting the gulpha (heels, ankle) and characterised by pain over the foot.

Calcaneal Spur Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The specific reason for developing Vatakantaka is srama (weakness of the heel due to over activity) and vishamanyasthata (walking through uneven surfaces, abnormal postures of heel). Both these result in aggravation of vata. All the other factors that are responsible for vatakopa are potential contributing factors.

Possible Complications of Calcaneal Spur Disease

If left untreated, Vatakantaka causes severe pain and difficulty to walk or stand.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are often associated with heel spur. Manage them accordingly for better result.

Calcaneal Spur Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Symptomatic treatment along with management of aggravated vata are given in Vatakantaka. Internal medication, treatments like snehana (eg: abhyanga), swedana (eg: upanaha/ bandaging the heel with suitable drugs), lepana (external application of pasted drug), agnikarma (cauterisation) and raktamoksha (blood-letting) are given for uncomplicated cases. If plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis is associated, appropriate treatment is provided.

Diet

Reduce the intake of Bengal gram, curd, red meat, processed food, polished rice, sprouted pulses, cold food etc. Consume more whole grains, green gram, green vegetables, leafy vegetables, milk etc.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise without giving more pressure on the heels can be done as per the physician’s advice. Avoid jumping and standing exercises or walking.

Calcaneal Spur Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Avoid over-exertion and walking on uneven surfaces. Wear proper shoes while doing exercises. Apply suitable oil, especially over the feet, before bathing. Reduce the intake of food items that aggravate vata (eg: cold and dry items, spicy/ bitter/ astringent tastes, Bengal gram, skipping of meals etc).

Importance of Diet

Food items that reduce the vatakopa can provide symptomatic relief.

Lifestyle

Persons with Vatakantaka should avoid walking on uneven surfaces. Wear suitable footwear or shoes to protect the heels. Apply suitable oil over the heels twice daily. Sleep with legs slightly elevated position. Exercise moderately without harming the heels.