Plantar Fasciitis/Shin Splints And Its Treatment In Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Plantar fasciitis occurs due to the inflammation of the thick band of tissues which is present across each foot’s bottom and it connects the toes to the heel bones. It is the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by the stabbing pain in the heel which is aggravated in the morning when a person keeps his first step down the bed. After continuous motion this pain decreases, however it can relapse when you get up after sitting or standing for a long time. This article contains all the information about Plantar fasciitis and its Ayurvedic treatment.

INTRODUCTION TO PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Bottom of the foot contains a thick band of tissue which runs from heel to toes and is called as Plantar fascia. When there occurs inflammation of this fascia that causes stabbing pain in the heel when the person gets up in the morning and puts the feet down. This pain decreases when a person keeps on moving but restarts again when standing for a long time or standing after long sitting or rest. Plantar fasciitis results in formation of heel spurs.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

In Ayurveda Plantar fasciitis is put into the category of pathological conditions which is foot related and this category in Ayurvedic texts is known as Vata Vyadhi which deals with the diseases that are caused due to vitiation of Vata dosha. Plantar fasciitis is also caused due to Vata vitiation, resulting in inflammation and pain in the heel area.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

There is only one symptom and that is stabbing pain in the bottom of the foot near your heel. After awakening when a person takes the first few steps, pain is worse at that time. This pain of Plantar fasciitis can also be aggravated when you get up after sitting for too long or after standing for a long time in a standing position.

CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue which connects the base of the toes with the heel bone. Plantar fascia absorbs any shock to the heel while walking and also supports the arch of your foot. Any kind of strong tension or stress on this fascia can result in small tears in it. When this stress, tension and tearing of fascia becomes repeated many times it causes inflammation and irritation of the Plantar fascia. However, in most of the cases the cause of this remains unknown.

RISK FACTORS FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Although Plantar fasciitis can develop without any exact known cause, there are certain factors which increase the chances of a person to get it. These are:

• Age – People between the age of 40-60 years are more commonly known to develop it.
• Exercise – Certain types of exercises which cause a lot of stress on the fascia and heel like ballet dancing, long distance running and aerobic dance can lead to causing Plantar fasciitis.
• Obesity – Being overweight causes a lot of pressure on the heel and fascia that can result in inflammation of fascia.
• Foot mechanics – Having a high arch, flat foot or any atypical walking pattern can affect the distribution of the weight on your heel while you are standing, putting too much stress on the plantar fascia.
• Occupation – Certain occupations that need you to be standing for a long time like teachers, factory workers, or any work in which a lot of standing or walking is required on hard surfaces can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Medical history and physical examination by your doctor will reveal the Plantar fasciitis. In physical examination your doctor will check which areas of the heel are more tender and if these are the same area that fascia covers. Location of tenderness is mainly helpful in diagnosing it. Generally no tests are required, however just to rule out other causes your doctor can suggest an MRI or X-ray.

TREATMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Conventional treatment of Plantar fasciitis includes pain killing medicines like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium that help in relieving pain and inflammation along with certain therapies, night splints, orthotics or walking with canes, boots and crutches. In rare cases surgery is suggested.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

As the Plantar fasciitis is caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha, hence the Ayurvedic treatment will aim for pacifying the dosha and restoring the healthy heel. There are many herbs present in nature which possess a natural ability to relieve inflammation and associated symptoms. Hence, similar herbs can be used to treat Plantar fasciitis.

HERBAL TREATMENT BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS/SHIN SPLINTS

Planet Ayurveda is a pharmaceutical company that deals in manufacturing of herbal products and medicines that are further prescribed to patients by experienced Ayurvedic doctors of Planet Ayurveda as per the ailments they are suffering from. People throughout the globe can get these medicines and products easily as we ship medicines worldwide. Also, there are many official distributors of Planet Ayurveda that are located in different parts of the world. For Plantar fasciitis, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that pacify the Vata dosha and treats the inflammation and pain naturally.

Products List

1. Yograj Guggul
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Aamvatantak Churna
4. Nirgundi Oil
5. Orthovita Oil

Products Description

1. Yograj Guggul

These herbal tablets are combination of various therapeutic herbs like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Ardraka (Zingiber officinale), Ela (Eletteria cardamomum), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), guggul (Commiphora mukul), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Pippali (Piper longum), (Plumbago zeylanica), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), etc. In Plantar fasciitis, Yograj guggul supports the underlying tissue and bones and helps in relieving the inflammation and pain in the heel.

Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin capsules are also termed as natural herbal pain relievers. These herbal capsules help in strengthening muscles, and prevent and treat wear and tear of the tissues. Boswellia curcumin is prepared using the standardized extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) herbs.

Dosage: Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

This herbal churna consist of various therapeutic herbs like Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. Aamvatantak churna acts as a natural anti-inflammatory, and painkillers which give relief from pain and inflammation in the heel. This churna also balances the Vata dosha which is a root cause of Plantar fasciitis.

Dosage: Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after meals with warm water.

4. Nirgundi Oil

Vitex negundo (Nirgundi) is the herb used in preparation of Nirgundi oil that possesses pain-relieving action and hence acts by treating inflammation and pain in Plantar fasciitis when applied locally.

5. Orthovita Oil

This oil is combination of various herbal oils like Saindhavadi taila, Gandhapura oil, Shul gajendra oil, Prasarini oil, Turpentine oil and Camphor. Orthovita oil helps in relieving the inflammation, pain and supports plantar fascia for any stress or injury.

Direction: Mix a few drops each from both the oils and apply locally on the affected area.

Conclusion

Plantar fasciitis if not treated in a timely manner can result in various complications and hamper day to day activities of a person. Hence, it is important to get it diagnosed and treated early. Herbal remedies can help in treating it naturally and safely.