A Randomized Comparative Clinical Study to Evaluate the Effect of Kshaudra Agnikarma over Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma in the Management of Vatakantaka with special reference to Plantar Fasciitis

Background: Vatakantaka is caused by the aggravation of Vata Dosha which when combined with Kapha Dosha, results in Ruja and Stambha in the heel. The clinical features of plantar fasciitis are like that of Vatakantaka. Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints of the foot, accounting for about 80% of cases of heel pain. In this study, Agnikarma as a pain management procedure was utilized due to the obstacles faced by other modern treatment methods and to assess its efficacy in relieving heel pain. The results of Kshaudra Agnikarma are compared with Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma which is an established study. Aim and Objectives: To compare the effect of Kshaudra Agnikarma over Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma in the management of Vatakantaka. Materials and Methods: In this comparative trial 40 cases of clinically diagnosed Vatakantaka were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups namely Group A and Group B with 20 patients each. Group A patients were treated with Kshaudra Agnikarma and Group B patients were treated with Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma. Results: After Agnikarma, both Kshaudra Agnikarma and Panchaloha Shalaka Agnikarma showed significant results with reduction in pain, stiffness, tenderness. Conclusion: The result of Agnikarma with Kshaudra was significant in relieving Pain and tenderness, and not significant in relieving stiffness statistically. The result of Agnikarma with Panchaloha Shalaka was significant in relieving pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Both the methods of treatment proved to be effective in the management of Vatakantaka. But comparatively Panchaloha Shalaka had better results.