The calcaneal spur is the growth of calcium around the ligaments and tendons of the foot, growth will be starting from the bone towards the flesh of the foot. This condition is known as padakantaka or vatakantaka. The term consists of two words Vata refers to vatadosha and kantaka refers to thorn vatakantaka (calcaneal spur) and is also called a heel spur. Calcaneus is the heel bone hence the name heel spur. When it is met with constant pressure calcium deposition occurs beneath this bone and if the pressure continues, the deposition takes the shape of a spur, causing pain. People who walk on uneven surfaces or heels to stand for a long time cause pressure beneath the heel bone thus finally triggering calcaneal spur.
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- Walking on irregular or uneven ground
- Structural deformity of the foot causing increased pressure on heels
- Excessive strain on heels, standing or walking for long distance
- Usage of hard footwear or shoes
- Prolonged pressure over the heel on the ankle joint
- Anatomical changes of the heel bone
- Main cause: continuous stress on heel bone which eventually leads to calcification of the soft tissue around the heel.
SYMPTOMS
- Pain in the heel and surrounding region after long rest and waking up in the morning
- Heel pain was also observed on standing running and continuous walking.
DIAGNOSIS
X-Ray and physical examination
DIET AND HABITS
- Unctuous and easily digestive food
- Warm water bath
- Smooth and lightweight footwear.
- Rest to foot
AVOID
- Spicy and irritant food
- Dry and hard food
- Cold water bath
- Barefoot walk for long distance
- Hard and tight footwear
TREATMENT
- Internal medication to reduce vatadosha and inflammation
- Snehana(oleation)
- Swedana(sudation)
- Anti-inflammatory herbal pack application in the acute inflammatory phase
- Agnikarma(cautery)
- Bloodletting (raktha mokshana)