Heel Pain Remedies in Ayurveda

Question

For the past few months, I’ve been experiencing severe heel pain, especially in the mornings and after standing for long periods. My doctor mentioned it could be plantar fasciitis, but I’d like to explore heel pain remedies in Ayurveda before considering any invasive treatments.

From what I’ve read, Ayurveda identifies heel pain as a result of vata dosha imbalance, which causes stiffness, inflammation, and pain in the feet. Are there specific herbal oils or ointments, like dhanwantharam thailam or kottamchukkadi oil, that can be massaged on the heels to reduce pain and inflammation? How frequently should these be applied for noticeable relief?

I also read about herbal decoctions like dashmool kwath for internal use. Can this help reduce inflammation and provide long-term relief? Should it be taken daily, and are there any dietary recommendations to complement its effects?

Another remedy I came across is panchakarma therapy, particularly treatments like kati basti and patra pinda sweda. Are these therapies effective for managing chronic heel pain, and how many sessions are typically needed to see results?

If anyone has used Ayurvedic treatments for heel pain, I’d love to hear your experience. Did these remedies work for you, and how long did it take to feel relief?

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

In Ayurveda, heel pain, often associated with plantar fasciitis, is typically linked to a vata imbalance, which can cause dryness, stiffness, and inflammation in the feet. To manage this, herbal oils like dhanwantharam thailam or kottamchukkadi oil are commonly used for local application. These oils have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and massaging them onto the affected area twice a day can provide noticeable relief over time. For internal use, herbal decoctions like dashmool kwath, which is known for its anti-inflammatory effects, can help reduce systemic inflammation and improve circulation. Taking this daily can aid in long-term relief. Additionally, panchakarma treatments like kati basti (medicated oil applied to the lower back region) and patra pinda sweda (herbal poultice treatment) can also be effective for chronic heel pain by promoting circulation and reducing inflammation. Typically, a series of sessions (5-7) may be required for noticeable improvement. Along with these treatments, avoiding foods that aggravate vata, like dry, cold, and processed foods, while consuming nourishing and grounding foods, can complement the healing process.

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