Integrative Traditional Unani Medicine Management for Calcaneal Spur: A Case Report.

Integrative Traditional Unani Medicine Management for Calcaneal Spur: A Case Report.

Calcaneal spur refers to a condition in which a sharp bone growth occurs at the heel. In Unani, the calcaneal spur is best categorized under Waja’al-‘Aqib (heel pain). This study aims to report the effect of traditional Unani medicine on severe heel pain due to calcaneal spur./r/nThe current case, a 43-year-old female patient, presented to the outpatient department in Hakim Syed Ziaul Hasan Government Unani Medical College & Hospital, Bhopal on October 10, 2023, complaint of sharp pricking localized pain with heat sensation, morning stiffness in the bottom of the left heel, and difficulty in walking for five days. On assessment, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and Foot Function Index (FFI) for the patient’s left foot were scored 56, 9, and 134, respectively, indicating the severity of pain and functional impairment of the left heel. The X-ray of the left foot (anterior-posterior and lateral views) showed an inferior bony spur projecting forward from the calcaneal tuberosity. Management was planned with the integrative treatment comprising Ilājbi’l Tadbīr (regimenal therapy) and Ilājbi’l Dawā (pharmacotherapy). Additionally, Pāshoya (immersion of the feet in medicated decoction), Tadhīn (Applying medicated oil locally over the ankle), and two oral Unani medicines- Habb-i-Suranjan, an Unani pill, and Ma’jūn-i-chobchini, a semisolid Unani pharmacopoeial formulation having active ingredients Suranjan (Colchicum luteum) and chobchini (Smilax chin), respectively, were used for 14 days./r/nOn treatment completion, the WOMAC, VAS, and FFI scores significantly reduced from 56, 9, and 134, to 8, 1, and 34, respectively./r/nThe case demonstrates that Unani interventions, including Pāshoya (footbath), Tadhīn (medicated oil application locally), and oral Unani medicines, are effective, safe, and convenient for managing calcaneal spur. Further well-designed clinical research is recommended./r/nBotanical medicine, Case report, Calcaneal spur, Ilājbi’l Tadbīr (Regimenal therapy), Pāshoya (Footbath), Unani medicine, Waja’al-‘Aqib (heel pain).