Abstract

PRECLINICAL CASE STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFECT OF MRUTTIKA SHALAKA AGNIKARMA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATAKANTAKA (CALCANEAL SPUR)

Dr. Kumar Athani*, Dr. Sujata B Waddar, Dr. Shridhar B. Waddar and Dr. Prince Kirtonia, Dr. Sreelekha Sethi

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The painful ailment known as Vatakantaka, or calcaneal spur in modern medicine, is characterised by heel discomfort, swelling and difficulty in walking. Ayurveda links this disease to an imbalance in Vata dosha and Agni karma, especially with the Mruttika Shalaka (clay probe), In order to manage Vatakantaka (calcaneal spur), a condition that is frequently resistant to traditional therapies, this study intends to assess the efficacy of Mruttika Shalaka Agnikarma. Methods: This was a preliminary clinical case study conducted on 2 patients from the OPD of the Shalya Tantra department who had been diagnosed with Vatakantaka in this initial clinical case study. Mruttika Shalaka Agnikarma, The procedure was carried out in 2 sittings on the 1st and 7th day under stringent aseptic circumstances. The pain scale and functional improvement were used to measure the severity of thepain. Following treatment, follow-up assessments were carried out to evaluate alterations in radiographic features and symptoms. Results: Here 2 patients pain scores showed significant improvement, with a considerable improvement by pain scale after treatment. Additionally, functional restrictions, oedema and tenderness decreased. Symptomatic improvement was observed with little to no change in the size of the calcaneal spur at radiological follow-up. Every patient had a good experience with the Agnikarma. Discussion: The application of Mruttika Shalaka Agnikarma appears to be an effective and safe intervention for treatment of Vatakantaka. The therapeutic heat from the Agnikarma process may contribute to pain relief, improved circulation and reduction in inflammation. While the calcaneal spur size remained largely unchanged, symptomatic relief was evident. Further studies with larger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are needed to validatethese findings and understand the long-term efficacy of this intervention.

Keywords: Vatakantaka, Mruttika Shalaka, Agnikarma, Calcaneal Spur.