Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar Fasciitis from the point of view of Ayurveda
The plantar fascia is a thick, weblike ligament that connects your heel to the front of your foot. It acts as a shock absorber and supports the arch of your foot, helping t do movement and walk. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common orthopedic health problem, causes a stabbing pain in the bottom of your foot near the heel. Plantar fasciitis involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of foot. The pain is usually the worst with the first few steps after awakening. Too much pressure on your feet can damage or tear the ligaments. The plantar fascia becomes inflamed, and the inflammation causes pain and stiffness. Plantar fasciitis can also develop without an obvious cause, some factors can increase your risk of developing this condition - age, foot mechanics, flat feet, a high arch, an abnormal pattern of walking, obesity, occupations where long time need to spen on feet, like factory workers, teachers, long-distance runner. Vatakantaka ( is a Heel pain) per Ayurveda is a painful condition of heel . Aggravated Vata, because of exertion at walking ( Vata responsible of movements) . As the pain is seen more during morning and after a period of inactivity in patients, it indicates the presence of ama with the Vata and Kapha as well .
How Ayurvedic doctors treat Plantar Fasciitis
Ayurveda treatment varies according to the cause and depend on the stage of the disease.
Various Ayurvedic treatment procedures like Dhara (pouring of herbal decoction) – medicated milk / medicated oil , application of herbal herbal packs are done , herbal pack is applied as Lepa – suitable herbal paste is applied to the heel till it gets dry itself, when dry it is removed using lukewarm water – this process is repeated many times a day. Ayurvedic therapy Rakthamoksha (or bloodletting) gives sudden relief. Istika sweda Ayurvedic procedure – special kind of steam for this condition is beneficial.
Internal medications with Guggulu preparations, Rasnasaptaka, medicated Ghee like Gugguluthikthaka ghrita are useful here.
Here is Ayurvedic home made herbs procedure to reduce heel pains related to plantar fasciitis mix – 2 tsp horse gram powder or dill seed powder ,3 tsp sesame oil, 1 tsp rock salt and 1 tsp vinegar with enough yogurt to make a paste – apply this around the heel, bandage overnight ,try to do it for 5-7 days.
Ayurvedic doctors’ advice and recommendations on the use of the medicine will be provided during the consultation.
More tips for prevention and Ayurvedic treatment of Plantar Fasciitis:
Yoga Stretching and massage of calf muscles plantar fascia with suitable medicated oil give better results.
- Wearing well-fitting shoes,
- Use shock-absorbent soles
- Do warming up in the morning before walking
- stretching exercises daily,
- losing or controling weight is important
- Avoidance of flat shoes and barefoot walking
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