Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis and Shin Splints in Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Plantar fasciitis and Shin Splints both involve lower leg pain and inflammation due to overuse of the lower leg. The causes for both can be similar and the result can also be the same, but the site of pain may vary from each in a minute. Both these injuries are commonly seen in Sports persons. Here in this article, we will get to know the causes and symptoms of these two injuries. Also, we will spot the main difference between them and ayurvedic remedies for the management and recovery from such injuries.

INTRODUCTION

Shin Splints also known as medial tibial stress syndrome, are defined as pain along the shin bone (Tibia) in the lower leg. Pain is caused by the overuse of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is of two types-

• Anterior Shin Splints
• Posterior Shin Splints

The sites of pain in both types are different. Pain down the front of the leg indicates Anterior Shin Splints and the pain down the inside of the leg indicates posterior Shin Splints. The overuse of the lower legs causes muscles, and connective tissues to rupture that causes painful splints. Overuse of legs is common among sports persons who are involved in strenuous activities such as football players, athletes, basketball players, and all sports that involve more usage of legs, which can put extended force on the shin bone and corresponding muscles.

Plantar fasciitis also known as policeman's heel is defined as muscle pain with inflammation on the bottom of the foot that connects the heel bone to the toe. The pain is stabbing in nature. The pain reduces as you walk and tends to decrease while continuing walking, while the pain will aggravate on prolonged standing or sudden movement after long rest. The injury is recovered by ice patching, and other conservative methods, while in rare cases arthroscopic surgery is recommended. That is done based on your symptoms and severity.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

According to Ayurveda the over-usage and overstaining of muscles aggravate Vata dosha which will disbalance the Pitta and Kapha dosha. All these tridoshas together will lead to pain, tenderness, and stiffness in that particular area. Treatment modalities involve the intake of naturally and purely prepared Planet Ayurveda's herbal medications, application of our medicated oils, and following the guide and diet recommendations of our expert Ayurvedic Doctors.

CAUSES

The overuse of the lower leg is the main cause of these injuries which can be due to various reasons-

• Repeated stretching of lower legs muscles
• Long distance running
• Repetitive stress on the shin bone
• Dancing
• Obesity
• Flat feet (congenital foot abnormalities)
• Prolonged standing (occupational factors)
• More common in people of age more than 40 years

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of these injuries include abnormalities in legs and differ in extent and site of legs-

Shin splints

• Calf muscles pain and tightness
• Pain and inflammation in the inner side of the lower leg
• Pain along the Shin Bone
• Pain aggravates after the exercise
• Pain while running, and walking and might continue on rest

Plantar fasciitis

• Pain in the foot heel that can radiate to the foot sole
• Limping
• Swelling and tenderness in the foot heel area
• Pain aggravates long-standing, running, or jumping
• Pain worsens in the morning
• Pain is stabbing in nature

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis is confirmed based on the-

• Medical history
• Physical examination
• Location of pain
• The severity of pain and tenderness
• X-Ray - can show a bone spur

TREATMENT

Most people recover on their own in a few months with conservative treatment. While in some cases the condition may worsen on left untreated.

• Pain killers
• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Physical therapies
• Night splints
• Canes
• Crutches
• Walking boots for temporary methods to support the leg
• Injections
• Shock wave therapy
• Ultrasonic tissue repair
• Surgery

Ayurveda offers various therapies and natural herbs for recovery from lower leg injuries due to overstretching and overuse.

Panchkarma Therapies

Panchkarma therapies to reduce muscle stiffness and strengthen bones, joints, and muscles include abhyanga, swedan, sarvang dhara, potli, along with nasya. These therapies are done with various medicated oils and herbs, prescribed by the ayurvedic doctor according to the condition, age, as well as other factors of the patient.

Yoga

Certain yogasanas also strengthen the leg muscles and can be practiced easily at home.

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

These ayurvedic medicines are used to treat the condition of the patient. Planet Ayurveda provides effective treatment for plantar fasciitis and shin splints. Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medicine manufacturing company in India. Their products are 100% pure and are made from standardized extracts of various medicinal herbs. Our company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using the products and medicines. Medicines are prepared according to government guidelines. Medications useful in these conditions are-

Herbal Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis and Shin Splints

1. Boswellia Curcumin

These capsules are a combination of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). The anti-inflammatory property of these capsules reduces swelling in the body. These capsules will improve blood circulation in the lower body which will prevent stiffness and will lead to proper healing. These capsules will also improve immunity due to their immune-enhancing properties.

Dosage - Take 2 capsules twice daily.

2. Yograj Guggul

This is a polyherbal preparation of Vidang (Embelia ribes), Guggul (Commiphora guggul), Ajwain (Carum copticum), etc. Yograj guggul has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that help to pacify Vata dosha and helps in relieving pain and swelling in the foot and leg muscles. It also works on muscle spasms, thus offering free movement of the leg and foot.

Dosage - Have 2 tablets two times daily with water.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

This churna is composed of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sonth (Zingiber officinalis), etc. The churna is used in all types of autoimmune disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. Aamvatantak churna is prescribed to nourish the joints and muscles of the legs in these sports injuries of the lower legs. It preserves the overall health of the body.

Dosage - Take half a teaspoon of churna twice daily.

4. Nirgundi Oil

This medicated oil is obtained from the leaves of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. The oil is used in wound healing and relieving pain and swelling in the affected area. Oil has anthelmintic and anti-toxin properties. Planet Ayurveda's Nirgundi oil is pure and free from any type of chemicals and thus is very efficient in relieving painful symptoms.

Dosage - Apply the oil on the legs and foot area externally two times daily.

5. Orthovita Oil

Massaging the legs with this oil helps relieve pain along with the reduction in muscle stiffness. The oil is composed of saindhavadi tail, turpentine oil, gandhapura, etc. this will strengthen the muscles and reduce muscle spasms too. In case of loss of synovial fluid, this oil adds lubrication to the joints and thus has multipurpose usage.

Dosage - Do a local massage with oil for 10 to 15 minutes.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214040

CONCLUSION

Not treating these injuries can result in chronic pain that can hinder your daily activities. Treat and strengthen your leg muscles and bones naturally with ayurvedic treatment modalities. Visit our doctors for more wonderful results. For any query and to book online appointments contact us at www.PlanetAyurveda.com

How Can Plantar Fasciitis Be Treated With Herbal Remedies?

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common cause of pain in the bottom of the heel. This is the painful condition in which there occurs inflammation of the weblike, thick ligament which connects heel to the front of the foot, i.e. plantar fascia. Plantar fascia supports the arch of the foot and helps in walking. It is repetitive strain injury which affects walkers, runners, hikers and all others who stands for living like cashiers. People who work or run on a concrete or hard surface are at high risk of developing plantar fasciitis. There is a stabbing pain usually in the morning when the person steps out of bed. Continuous movement of the feet decreases the pain but returns if there is long-standing or sitting.

WHAT CAN BE THE SYMPTOMS OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

• Pain on the heal bottom.
• Some may get pain at the mid-foot area of the bottom.
• One or both feet may be affected.
• Pain may be sharp or dull in nature.
• Pain radiating outward from the bottom of the foot or heal.
• The sensation of burning at the bottom of the heel.
• Pain worsens in the morning or at first step out of the bed.
• The stiffness of heel which makes climbing the stairs difficult.
• Aggravation in pain after prolonged activity.

WHAT CAN BE THE CAUSES OF PLANTAR FASCIITIS?

• Obesity or sudden weight gain as in pregnancy can result in this condition due to increased pressure on the plantar fascia.
• Long distance running.
• Having a very active job in which a person has to be on foot all the time.
• Structural defects in the foot like a high arch or flat feet.
• Wearing soft sole shoes.
• Poor support arch.

HOW CAN PLANTAR FASCIITIS BE DIAGNOSED?

For the first step of diagnosis, you must visit a doctor who will evaluate the condition by physical examination. The doctor might push on the plantar fascia while you flexing the foot to check if the pain worsens. The pointing toe may ameliorate the pain. After this physical examination, your doctor may advise you to take some tests like MRI and X-ray to rule out any other cause of foot pain.

HOW CAN PLANTAR FASCIITIS BE TREATED?

Old school treatment of this condition includes injection of corticosteroid in the affected area which relieves the pain. Along with this, some physical therapies are given. All these medicines might have many side-effects and usually controls the pain temporarily.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR PLANTAR FASCIITIS

Planet Ayurveda offers Ayurvedic remedies for the treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. All these remedies are prepared from pure and authentic herbs under the strict ayurvedic principles. All the products are free from chemicals, preservatives, and additives. These remedies are purely vegetarian and none of them are tested on animals. All these products are free from side-effects if taken as prescribed by the physician.

Herbal Remedies for Plantar Fasciitis

1. Yograj Guggul

It is a herbal combination of various Ayurvedic herbs which are used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation since ancient times. A healthy metabolism is maintained and toxins are removed from the body by using it properly. Some of the herbs used to prepare this herbal blend are Commiphora mukul (Guggul), Cyperus zeylanica (Nagarmotha), Plumbago zeylanica (Chitrak), Emblica officinalis (Amla), Terminalia bellirica (Baheda) etc.

Its Health Benefits Are:

• Anti-inflammatory properties of it helps to relieve pain and swelling.
• Yograaj guggul helps to reduce fat in obese patients which is one of the main reasons of plantar fasciitis.
• It clears toxins and burns the ama deposited around joints which causes pain.
• Fibromyalgic pain can also be relieved by its use.
• It reduces stress and relieves muscle cramps.
• The skeletal and neuromuscular system is strengthened by Yograj guggul.

DOSAGE: Take 2 tablets, twice a day after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

This is a combination of two wonderful herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa) which are enriched with medicinal qualities. Boswellia curcumin is one of the most effective herbal blends to relieve inflammation and its associated symptoms.

• It relieves pain and swelling of the affected area.
• Reduces stiffness and increases mobility.
• It also relieves back pain, ankle joint pain, elbow pain etc.
• These capsules also treat and prevent the infections owing to its antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.
• Removes toxins from the body.

DOSAGE: Take 1-2 capsules two times a day after meals with plain water.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

This churna effectively treats rheumatoid arthritis and similar conditions involving joints and muscles pain. It is a combination of various herbs like Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), Curcuma longa (Haridra), Trigonella foenum graecum (Methi), Colchicum autumnale (Surnajan), Sphaeranthus indicus (Gorakhmundi) and Zingiber officinale (Sonth).

Its Health Benefits Are:

• It effectively reduces pain in the joints.
• Inflammation and swelling can be reduced by this amazing herbal blend.
• This churna helps to maintain vigor and body strength.
• Stress and anxiety is relieved by it.
• Aamvatantak churna also removes toxins and purifies the blood.

DOSAGE: Take half to one teaspoonful of churna twice a day after meals with plain water.

4. Nirgundi Oil

Nirgundi oil is a herbal oil which is well known for its pain relieving properties. This oil is prepared from single herb Nirgundi (Vitex negundo). Nirgundi is derived from a Sanskrit word which means "which protects the body from ailments".

Its Health Benefits Are:

• It relieves pain due to its analgesic property.
• This oil helps to treat skin diseases like leucoderma, leprosy, and vitiligo.
• Various medical conditions like sciatica and arthritis can be treated with the help of nirgundi oil.

5. Orthovita Oil

This oil is a herbal combination of Shulgajendra oil, Gandhpura oil, Tarpin oil, Saindhavadi oil, Prasarini oil, and Camphor. Orthovita oil supports healthy muscles and joints.

Its Health Benefits Are:

• This oil helps in restoring mobility of the joints.
• It relieves pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints.
• Orthovita oil helps to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, neck pain, and muscle pain.
• It effectively treats all types of pain.

USAGE OF THESE OILS: Take equal quantity of both the oils. Mix them properly and take it on your palm. Now gently rub this mixture over the painful area and wrap that area with warm cloth for at least 2 hours.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030