Discover How Homoeopathy Transforms Heel Pain for Patients

Discover How Homoeopathy Transforms Heel Pain for Patients

Discover How Homoeopathy Transforms Heel Pain for Patients

Introduction

Heel pain is a common foot disorder that prompts many patients to seek medical care. The calcaneal spur (CS) is the most frequent pathological cause. CS forms as calcium deposits at the insertion site of the plantar fascia on the bottom of the heel bone or where the Achilles tendon attaches. Spur formation stems from chronic fasciitis with multiple contributing factors. Intrinsic factors include advancing age, obesity, excessive foot pronation, and limited ankle flexibility.

Extrinsic factors include prolonged standing at work, improper footwear, and sudden increases in physical activity. Research shows CS is more common in older adults, females, overweight or obese individuals, and patients with conditions like diabetes and osteoarthritis. The underlying process involves micro-tears in the plantar fascia from overload and inflammation, which leads to calcium buildup and spur formation. Studies suggest that vertical pressure significantly contributes to spur development.

People exposed to repetitive heel stress—such as runners, laborers, and housemaids who walk barefoot on hard surfaces—are especially vulnerable. Despite how common CS and plantar heel pain are, the best treatment remains unclear. Standard approaches include pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, steroid injections, surgery, shock wave therapy, and acupuncture. However, these options may be inaccessible or unaffordable for lower-income groups, who often turn to low-cost alternatives like homeopathy.

Background and Aim

This study aimed to evaluate retrospectively:

  • The extent and location of calcaneal spurs in patients with heel pain
  • The relationship between CS and demographic and health factors
  • The clinical outcomes and effectiveness of homeopathic treatment over six months

The research was conducted at Dr. Anjali Chatterjee Regional Research Institute for Homoeopathy (DACRRIH) in Kolkata, focusing on patients who received lateral ankle X-rays for non-traumatic heel pain.

Methodology

  • Study Design: Retrospective observational study
  • Population: 92 patients (70 females, 22 males) who received lateral ankle X-rays for non-traumatic heel pain between August 2014 and July 2015
  • Data Collection: Patient files were reviewed for demographic data (age, sex, occupation), body measurements (height, weight, BMI), comorbidities (diabetes, osteoarthritis, hyperuricemia, hypothyroidism), and treatment details, including prescribed homeopathic medicines, potency, dosing, and six-month follow-up records
  • CS Diagnosis: Based on lateral ankle X-ray reports reviewed by a radiologist; spur locations recorded as plantar/inferior or posterior/superior
  • Treatment Approach: Homoeopathic prescriptions were individualized based on complete symptom profiles and key indicators. Potencies ranged from 30C to 50M; doses consisted of four sugar globules taken dry on the tongue. Follow-ups were scheduled every 15 days initially, then monthly after symptoms improved.

Results

  • Prevalence of Calcaneal Spur: 76 of 92 patients (82.6%) with heel pain had X-ray evidence of CS
  • Demographics and Risk Factors:
    • Female predominance (77.63% in CS group)
    • Most were over 35 years; more than 40% were above 50
    • Occupations involving prolonged heel stress (housemaids, laborers, and prolonged standing) were common (around 65% of CS patients)
    • Overweight and obesity (BMI >23) were present in over 57% of CS patients
    • Conditions like osteoarthritis (10.53%) and diabetes were noted, but were more common in the non-CS group
  • CS Location: Most spurs (80.26%) were on the plantar (bottom) surface of the heel bone, with the rest on the posterior side or both sides
  • Homoeopathic Treatment:
    • 19 different homeopathic medicines were prescribed
    • Most commonly used in CS patients: Rhus toxicodendron (46.05%), Calcarea flouricum (43.42%), Ledum palustre (31.58%), Aranea diadema, and Ruta graveolens
    • Higher potencies (10M, 50M) were used more often in CS patients than in non-CS patients
    • Dose adjustments and medicine changes were based on clinical response and guided by classical homoeopathic principles (“Twelve observations” and “Second prescription”)
    • Multiple medicines were often prescribed; more than half of CS patients received two or more
  • Treatment Outcomes:
    • About 71.04% of CS patients and 75% of non-CS patients showed marked or moderate improvement in heel pain and function
    • Marked improvement (complete remission) occurred in 51.31% of CS patients and 56.25% of non-CS patients
    • Mild or no improvement was noted in a smaller portion; some patients stopped follow-up early
    • Patients with conditions like diabetes and obesity tended to respond less well
  • Rationales for Common Medicines:
    • Rhus toxicodendron: Sharp stitching heel pain, worse on initial movement, better with continued motion
    • Calcarea flouricum: Piercing, darting heel pain with hard bony swelling, worse in damp weather
    • Ledum palustre: Bruised heel pain, worse with walking and warmth, better with cold applications
    • Aranea diadema: Boring heel pain on first movement, sensation of heavy feet
    • Ruta graveolens: History of mechanical injury, acute shooting heel pain with swelling

Discussion

The study confirms that calcaneal spurs are very common in patients with chronic heel pain, consistent with previous research. Key risk factors include female sex, advancing age, excess weight, and occupations involving prolonged heel stress. These findings support the established understanding of CS as linked to mechanical overload and degenerative processes.

The study highlights an important socioeconomic context: many affected patients are from lower-income groups who cannot afford expensive or invasive treatments. This points to the need for accessible, low-cost interventions like homeopathy.

Homoeopathic treatment outcomes were favorable in about three-quarters of patients, suggesting potential benefit. Calcarea flouricum and Rhus toxicodendron were the most commonly effective remedies. Higher potencies were used in more advanced cases (CS group), reflecting the progressive nature of the condition.

Study limitations include its retrospective design, incomplete record-keeping, lack of standardized outcome measures or rating scales, no radiological follow-up to assess changes in spur size, and unequal sample sizes between groups. The study also lacked a control or placebo group, limiting conclusions about efficacy.

Limitations

  • Retrospective design relying on existing clinical records
  • Incomplete and inconsistent documentation, especially regarding the medicine selection rationale and detailed symptoms
  • No standardized pain or functional assessment tools
  • No radiological follow-up to monitor spur changes
  • Unequal groups (CS vs. non-CS) and a lack of statistical comparison
  • Potential bias from the absence of a control group and blinding

Future Directions

The authors recommend prospective, controlled clinical trials investigating homeopathic treatment for heel pain with CS to establish efficacy, dosage, and treatment protocols. Given the high prevalence and unmet need for affordable therapy, such research could significantly impact clinical practice and patient quality of life.

Conclusion

Calcaneal spurs commonly cause chronic heel pain, especially in older, overweight females in physically demanding occupations. Homoeopathic treatment—particularly with Calcarea flouricum and Rhus toxicodendron—shows promise in relieving symptoms and improving function in most patients. The study calls for further systematic research to validate these findings and optimize treatment approaches for this common condition.

Keywords

Calcaneal spur, heel pain, plantar fasciitis, homoeopathic treatment, Rhus toxicodendron, Calcarea flouricum, chronic heel pain, retrospective study, low-cost therapy, functional improvement.

Key Insights

  • Heel pain with calcaneal spur is most common in females, older adults, overweight individuals, and those in heel-stressing occupations.
  • Homoeopathy offers a potentially effective, affordable treatment option, especially for patients in low-income settings.s
  • Individualized medicine selection and potency adjustment based on patient response is central to homeopathic management of CS-related heel pain.
  • Clinical improvement was substantial in this retrospective study, though prospective trials are needed for confirmation.n

References (Selected)

  • Aldridge T. Diagnosing heel pain in adults. Am Fam Physician. 2004.
  • Riddle DL et al. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis: matched case-control study. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003.
  • Menz HB et al. Plantar calcaneal spurs in older people: vertical compression theory. J Foot Ankle Res. 2008.
  • Thomas JL et al. Diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: clinical practice guideline. J Foot Ankle Surg. 2010.
  • Pai PN. Thiosinaminum in plantar fasciitis with calcaneal spurs. Br Homoeopath J. 1992.
  • Clark J, Percivall A. Ruta graveolens in plantar fasciitis pain treatment. Br J Podiatry. 2000.