Plantar Fasciitis or heel pain and its Ayurveda Management

Plantar Fascitis and Its Ayurvedic Management (Vatakandaka)

Originally published in June 2013. Last updated on July 5, 2025

By Dr. Rimin Razak

🌿 Introduction

Plantar Fasciitis is a painful inflammatory condition of the plantar fascia — the thick connective tissue that runs across the sole of the foot, connecting the heel bone (calcaneus) to the toes. It supports the arch of the foot and absorbs impact while walking or standing.

Excess strain on this fascia leads to inflammation, weakening, swelling, or even microtears, causing intense heel pain, especially in the anterior portion of the heel. This condition is common among middle-aged individuals, athletes, or anyone who spends extended time on their feet. It’s also referred to as “Policeman’s Heel.”

HEEL PAIN OR CALCANEAL SPUR AND ITS AYURVEDA TREATMENTS IN KERALA

CALCANEAL SPUR/ HEEL PAIN (VATAKANTAKA) AND ITS AYURVEDA TREATMENTS in KERALA

The most common form of heel pain is mainly due to calcaneal spur. it is one of the most troublesome common health complaint usually affects badly peoples routine work, and once it is manifested very difficult

for the body to heal. a large percentage of people suffer from this disease.this is most often seen in the patients over the age of 35 years. Many surveys tell that women are the common sufferer. it may be due to the use of high heeled foot wear and over weight.
Calcaneum is the name for the heel bone, and spur means tiny projections.pain caused by this thickness at the heel is called as heel spur. actually the pain is not caused by the deranged bone but the inflamed soft tissue causes the pain. Calcaneal spur is as small osteophyte projections located on the calcaneum.it is not an acute disease that manifest suddenly. it occurs due to gradual changes on that region.
Calcaneal spur is mainly seen in two region inferior calcaneal spur and posterior one.Inferior one is located on the inferior aspect of the calcaneum and is typically a response to Plantar Fascitis over a period but may also be associated with Ankylosing spondylitis.An inferior spur consist of a calcification of the calcaneum,which lies superior to the plantar fascia at the insertion of  plantar fascia.it something like an hook shaped one.