Efficacy of Individualized Homoeopathic Medicines in the Pain Management of Calcaneal spur: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial.

A calcaneal spur, or commonly known as a heel spur, occurs when bony outgrowth forms on the heel bone. Calcaneal spur can be located at the back of the heel (Dorsal heel spur) or under the sole (Plantar heel spur). The Dorsal spur are usually associated with Achilles tendinopathy while spurs which are present under the sole are associated with Plantar fascitis. Frequency of calcaneal spurs rose with age in patients of Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Prevalence is 16.3% and 6.5% for males and females respectively, though more frequent in females. The conservative treatment includes Non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Cortisone injection, Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy, In-step fasciotomy, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial at The Calcutta Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, 128 patients suffering from Calcaneal spur will be randomized to either individualized homoeopathic medicines (verum; n=64) or identical-looking placebo (control; n=64). We aim to investigate whether there are any differences in outcomes between these two groups over 6 months of intervention. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain measurement and Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) for the measurement of lower extremity function and quality of life will be used as the primary and secondary outcome measures respectively. Comparative analysis will be carried out to examine group differences, if any. Results will be published in scientific journals.