Abstract

ROLE OF LEECH THERAPY TO ENCOUNTER HEEL PAIN IN ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS OF RETROCALCANEAL BURSITIS, PLANTAR FASCITIS WITH TENOSYNOVITIS: A CASE STUDY

Vd. Monika Sharma* and Vd. C. D. Jagdhane

Abstract

Pain at posterior heel or posterior ankle is most commonly caused by specific or nonspecific pathological conditions occurring at posterior calcaneus, the Achilles tendon or associated bursae. This may lead to painful and restricted movements with hampered day to day activities. The available treatments are NSAIDS, local injection of steroids and Surgery that are costly and with adverse side effects. A male patient aged 22 years visited the Shalya OPD of M.A Podar hospital with complaints of severe pain and swelling in Right heel, difficult and painful walk and warm skin on back of heel. He was involved in Kabaddi sports from last 3 years. MRI of Right ankle joint reported the inflammatory changes within the retrocalcaneal and supra calcaneal soft tissues being associated with moderate bursitis. Minimal fluid along tibialis posterior and flexor digitorum tendons suggestive of tenosynovitis. Mild ankle joint and subtalar effusion along with plantar fasciitis. The patient was successfully managed with Leech application on affected heel and ankle site, once in a week for a total of 6 sittings for 42 days along with oral intake of Dashmool, Punarnava and Guduchi decoction 20ml BD. The localized swelling and warmth got completely reduced and a considerable relief in pain was achieved. The mobility of joint improved with a happy and comfortable walk thereby, fulfilling the main goal of treatment.

Keywords: Jaloka Avcharana, Leech therapy, Shotha, Inflammation.