Agnikarma in achilles tendinitis: A case study

Agnikarma is the procedure of cauterization. It is effective in both acute and chronic pain. Achilles tendinitis is a condition characterized by pain and swelling over the Achilles tendon area. Achilles tendinitis is most found in individuals aged 30-40years. The prevalence of Achilles tendinitis varies among different ages and groups of people. The management of Achilles tendinitis involves rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and finally tendon repair. The conservative treatment as well as surgery has disadvantaged that incomplete pain relief. This condition can be correlated to Vata kantaka in Ayurveda [1]. Vatakantaka, according to Sushruta, is a Vatapradhana Vyadhi (predominance of vatadosha), specifically brought on by walking on uneven ground or by Atishrama (extreme effort), which causes discomfort in the Khudukapradesha. According to Madhavakar in Madhava Nidan, Vatakantaka is a discomfort in the ankle area brought on by the foot moving improperly. Numerous medical diseases, including Sevier's disease, Calcaneal Knob, Bursitis, Bony Spur, Paget's, Osteomyelitis, and Acute and Chronic Plantar Fasciitis, can cause heel discomfort [2]. Agnikarma is indicated in sira, snayu, sandhi and asthigata rogas. Agnikarma is described as most effective therapy in the management of painful conditions especially musculoskeletal disorders [3]. The pain is strong, stimulus. If body gets still stronger stimulus destructs the attention of the senses and one feels better. This action is obtained by Agni karma. In this case study, a 37-year-old male patient diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis was administered with Agnikarma with Suvarna shalaka [4] for 3 sittings with an interval of 7 days. Assessment was done for pain, tenderness, movement and swelling. Significant improvement was observed after treatment.