An open label randomized controlled clinical study to evaluate the effect of Viddha Agnikarma in the management of Vatakantaka vis a vis calcaneal spur

Vatakantakais described under *Vataja Vyadhi.*The main Lakshana of Vatakantaka is pricking pain felt due to vitiated Vata in Calcaneal bone. Due to exertion & walking on uneven surface, Usage of hard foot wears leads to constant pressure in heel region, Calcium deposition occurs beneath this bone and if the pressure continues, the deposition takes the shape of spur, this leads to aggravation of Vata causing pain.

It is estimated that Incidence of calcaneal spur in Indian population with heel pain is 59%, Most common age group affected is 40-50years.

Vatakantakaclinically can be co-related to calcaneum spur or heel spur, it is a pointed bony outgrowth of the calcaneal bone. It is attributed to chronic local inflammation at the insertion of soft-tissue tendons or fascia.

Heel spurs are frequently associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon and cause tenderness and pain.

Agnikarma is one among the para surgical procedure indicated for pain management. It is superior, the diseases treated by Agnikarma is said to have no recurrence5, it is a unique procedure because of its simple technique yet optimum result. Hence it is extensively practiced in painful conditions like Gridrasi, Avabhahuka and Vatakantaka.

The disease which are situated over Twak, Mamsa, Snayu, Asthi etc., are treated with Agnikarma by using different Dahanopakaranas5.

The author Chakradatta has added Suchi is also one among the Dahanopakaranas 6.

Bindu Roopi Agnikarma with Panchaloha Shalaka is being extensively done.

But as it involves burning of the skin & superficial tissues there may be discomfort to the   patient and also skin scarring. The uniformity of heat is not maintained throughout the procedure7.

Viddha Agnikarma is selected because it goes deep into the fascia and spreads the heat uniformly, and cosmetically good as there will be no scarring of tissues.