How Homeopathy Restored a Housewife’s Routine and Relieved Calcaneal Spur Pain
A calcaneal spur, also known as a heel spur, is a bony growth that forms on the underside of the heel bone (calcaneus). While many individuals with heel spurs may not experience any symptoms, those who do often report sharp, stabbing pain, especially with the first few steps in the morning or after a period of rest. The pain may also worsen during activities like climbing stairs or walking for extended periods.
Traditional treatments for heel spurs often include anti-inflammatory medications, physiotherapy, orthotic insoles, or corticosteroid injections. In some cases, surgery may be considered if the pain is severe and unresponsive to conservative treatments. However, many individuals seek alternative treatments, such as homeopathy, which they believe offers a safer, gentler approach with fewer side effects.
Case Study:
A 35-year-old housewife (Patient ID-52513) consulted Life Force Homeopathy in Jayanagar on September 13, 2023, for a calcaneal spur she had been suffering from for two years. Her primary symptoms included burning pain in her heels, which worsened in the morning upon waking and during the first movements of the day. The pain also intensified when climbing stairs or walking for extended periods.
In addition to her heel pain, the patient had gained weight over the past year, which likely contributed to additional pressure on her feet. Her daily activities involved standing for long periods while cooking and cleaning, further aggravating her condition.
An X-ray taken on September 12, 2023, revealed the presence of calcaneal spurs on both heels. The physician recommended conservative treatments such as ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications, and orthotic insoles, but these measures provided limited relief.
A detailed case history was taken, focusing on both physical and mental symptoms. In homeopathy, treatment is often personalized, addressing both physical symptoms and constitutional factors.
Physical Symptoms:
The patient had an average appetite and was non-vegetarian. She had cravings for sweets and drank around 2 liters of water daily. Her perspiration was average, and she was intolerant of extreme cold weather. She had no significant urinary complaints and had a satisfactory bowel movement. She enjoyed sound sleep, preferring to lie on her back. Her menstrual cycle was regular and had no symptom associated.
Psychological Symptoms:
The patient had a happy childhood and a supportive family. Her married life was also satisfactory. She was talkative with a select group of friends and was picky about the people she associated with. Emotionally, she was very attached to her family and shared her worries with her husband. She expressed disappointment at her in-laws not allowing her to return to work. She had previously been employed as a bank officer. The patient had a fear of large bodies of water. Her intellectual abilities, including memory, logic, perception, and analysis, were all reported as good.
After carefully reviewing the case, Dr Shah prescribed homeopathic remedies based on a thorough analysis of her symptoms and constitutional factors. Additionally, the patient was advised on a diet and exercise plan to aid in weight reduction and alleviate her pain.
Follow-ups:
First Follow-up (November 22, 2023): The patient reported no significant change in her pain. The pain was still worse when walking barefoot, and it radiated upwards from her heels to her knees. She also experienced calf muscle pain, which had become her new concern.
Second Follow-up (March 7, 2024): The patient experienced a 50% improvement in her condition. The episodes of calf muscle pain had become less frequent, occurring only once every 7–10 days.
Third Follow-up (January 1, 2025): By this time, the patient reported being 80% better. She experienced only mild pain when walking barefoot in the morning, which lasted for a short duration.
The patient expressed her satisfaction with the results and thanked Dr. Shah and Life Force for resolving her issues without the need for surgery.
Conclusion:
This case demonstrates the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in managing calcaneal spurs without causing any side effects. The patient's significant improvement over time highlights the potential benefits of homeopathy as an alternative treatment for such conditions.