Efficacy of Individualized Homoeopathic Treatment in the Management of Chronic Heel Pain: A Prospective Observational Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20041786Keywords:
Array, Array, Array, Array, Array, Array, ArrayAbstract
Background
Chronic heel pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with plantar fasciitis, calcaneal spur, and repetitive occupational loading, leading to significant functional limitation and reduced quality of life. Conventional therapies often provide only partial relief and may be limited by adverse effects, prompting interest in complementary approaches such as individualized homoeopathic treatment.
Objective
This prospective observational study evaluates the efficacy and safety of homoeopathic medicines in the management of chronic heel pain over a 12-week period.
Method
Adult patients (≥18 years) with non-traumatic heel pain of duration ≥3 months were enrolled in a single centre homoeopathic outpatient department of the authors. Each participant underwent detailed homoeopathic case taking and received an individualized remedy (mainly Calcarea fluorica, Rhus toxicodendron, Ruta graveolens, Arnica montana or Ledum Pal) in 30C potency, with follow up at 4, 8, and 12 weeks. Primary outcomes were changes in heel pain intensity measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional disability assessed by the Foot Function Index (FFI). Secondary outcomes included heel pain related disability (Heel Disability Scale), NSAID/analgesic use, patient rated global improvement, and adverse events.
Result
Of 90 participants (mean age 47.2±10.8 years; 68 females), 78 completed the 12 week follow up. Mean VAS pain scores decreased from 7.4±1.2 at baseline to 3.1±2.0 at 12 weeks (p<0.001). Mean FFI severity scores improved from 62.3±15.4 to 34.7±16.9 (p<0.001), and Heel Disability Scale scores decreased from 58.7±13.6 to 33.2±15.7 (p<0.001). Around 82% of patients reported at least moderate improvement in symptoms, NSAID use fell by over 50%, and no serious adverse events were recorded.
Conclusion
Individualized homoeopathic treatment appears to be an effective and safe complementary option in the management of chronic heel pain, though larger randomized controlled trials are warranted to confirm these findings.
References
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