Effect of Agnikarma with Guda in Achilles Tendinitis

Abstract

Achilles tendinitis is a condition that is caused by an over use injury of the achilles tendon, and presents with symptoms like pain, tenderness and weakness of achilles tendon. In modern medicine the management includes NSAIDs, analgesics, corticosteroid injection and surgical decompression, but these have many complications and the recurrence rate is high. In Ayurveda it comes under Snayugata vatavyadhi with treatment modalities such as Snehana, Agnikarma and Upanaha. Acharya Susrutha has indicated Agnikarma as a chief para surgical procedure which is an effective treatment in conditions of severe pain in Twak, Mamsa, Sira, Snayu, Sandhi and Asthi. The Dahanopakarana used for Sira, Snayu, Sandhi, Asthigata vata vikaras are Kshoudra, Guda, Sneha. Agnikarma with this Snigdha dravyas has more penetrating power than Rooksha dravyas like Salaka, it helps to reach the deeper tissues. So, Guda is taken in this case to assess the effect of Agnikarma in Achilles tendinitis. In the present case study a 32 year old female patient visited the OPD with severe pain in right Achilles tendon and was diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis. Agnikarma with Guda is done on the most tender points of Achilles tendon. Outcome measures like pain, tenderness, RLH Test, ARC Test were assessed before treatment, immediately after treatment, 7^th day, 14^th day, and 21^st day. The result showed that Agnikarma with Guda in Achilles tendinitis gives significant relief in pain.