Do your first few steps in the morning feel like stepping on a nail? Does the heel hurt after sitting for a while, then ease as you walk, only to return by evening? This is one of the most common problems we see at our clinic in Nangal — usually called plantar fasciitis or a calcaneal (heel) spur.

How Ayurveda understands heel pain

Classical Ayurveda describes a condition called Vatakantaka — pain in the heel caused by aggravated Vata, often after walking on uneven ground or long standing. Acharya Sushruta lists it among the Vata disorders (Sushruta Samhita, Nidanasthana 1). Because the root is Vata lodged in the tendons and tissues of the heel, treatment aims to calm Vata at that exact spot.

What is Agnikarma?

Agnikarma means therapeutic heat. A special metal rod (Shalaka) is heated and touched very briefly on the most painful points, following a set pattern. It is a precise, controlled procedure done by the doctor in the OPD and takes only a few minutes.

What to expect

• The doctor first examines the foot to confirm the cause and to rule out other problems.
• The painful points are marked, and the heated Shalaka is touched briefly on each point.
• Many patients feel lighter and can walk more easily soon after; usually a few sittings are planned, about a week apart.
• A soothing application (such as aloe vera or Madhu-Ghrita) is put on the points, and you can go home the same day.

Agnikarma is also used for

Frozen shoulder, tennis elbow, knee pain (osteoarthritis), low back pain, cervical pain and some skin growths like warts — always after the doctor decides it suits you.

हिंदी में संक्षेप

सुबह उठते ही एड़ी में तेज़ दर्द (प्लांटर फ़ेशिआइटिस / एड़ी की हड्डी बढ़ना) आयुर्वेद में वातकण्टक कहलाता है। आचार्य सुश्रुत ने ऐसे वात-जन्य दर्द के लिए अग्निकर्म को श्रेष्ठ बताया है। इसमें डॉक्टर गरम शलाका से दर्द वाले बिंदुओं पर कुछ सेकंड का नियंत्रित ताप देते हैं। ये OPD में कुछ ही मिनट में होता है और आम तौर पर कुछ बैठकें लगती हैं। अग्निकर्म हमेशा प्रशिक्षित डॉक्टर से ही करवाएँ।