Abstract

REVISITING VATAKANTAKA: AN INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON PLANTAR FASCIITIS FROM ETIOPATHOGENESIS TO CLINICAL MANAGEMENT

Dr. Ravina Verma, Dr. Pranesh Gaikwad*, Dr. Vaishali Chaudhari, Dr. Samruddhi Vaidkar

Abstract

Background: Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, accounting for approximately 80% of chronic heel pain cases. It is characterised by inflammation and degeneration of the plantar fascia due to repetitive microtrauma, prolonged standing, obesity, inappropriate footwear, and excessive physical activity. In Ayurveda, the clinical features of plantar fasciitis closely resemble Vatakantaka, a condition described under Vata Vyadhi, where aggravated Vata localises in the heel, resulting in severe pain, tenderness, and difficulty in walking. Objective: This review aims to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of plantar fasciitis (Vatakantaka), correlate it with contemporary medical concepts, and summarise the available evidence regarding its etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, and management. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, and relevant Rasashastra and Panchakarma literature, along with review articles indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and other scientific databases. The literature was analysed to establish correlations between Ayurvedic principles and current biomedical knowledge. Results: The review indicates that Vata aggravation, particularly due to excessive walking, prolonged standing, overexertion, trauma, obesity, and improper footwear, plays a vital role in the pathogenesis of Vatakantaka. Management includes Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana Chikitsa, Panchakarma procedures such as Abhyanga, Swedana, Upanaha, Basti, Agnikarma, and local therapies, along with internal medicines possessing Vatahara, Shothahara, Vedanasthapana, and Rasayana properties. Modern conservative measures, including stretching exercises, orthotics, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications, complement Ayurvedic interventions. Emerging clinical studies suggest that Ayurvedic therapies provide significant relief in pain, tenderness, and improve functional activities while improving quality of life. Conclusion: Plantar fasciitis can be effectively interpreted through the Ayurvedic concept of Vatakantaka. An integrative approach combining Ayurvedic principles with evidence-based conservative management offers a safe, cost-effective, and holistic strategy for managing plantar fasciitis.

Keywords: Plantar Fasciitis, Vatakantaka, Heel Pain, Ayurveda, Vata Vyadhi.