A Comparative Clinical Study of Plantar Iontophoresis with Aqueous Solution of Nirgundi and 0point4parcentage Dexamethasone in the Management of Pada Kantaka with special reference to Plantar Fasciitis

Abstract

Background newlinePada Kantaka, commonly known as plantar fasciitis in modern medicine, is a prevalent newlinecondition affecting the sole of the foot. While traditional herbal remedies have shown newlineeffectiveness, modern delivery systems can enhance bioavailability, targeted action, and user newlineconvenience. Iontophoresis is a novel method for delivering herbal medicine that has been newlineexplored for managing plantar fasciitis. newlineAim newlineTo evaluate the effect of Plantar iontophoresis with Nirgundi(Vitex negundo Linn.) aqueous newlineextract in the management of Pada Kantaka. newlineMethods newlineStudy is a Randomized, Controlled, open group comparative clinical trial. 100 participants newlinemeeting the inclusion criteria were recruited in the study. They were divided in two 2 groups. newlineControl group were treated with 0.4% Dexamethasone for iontophoresis. Trial group were newlineintervened with Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) aqueous extract for iontophoresis thrice a newlineweek, with lifestyle modifications for 4 weeks. Assessments criteria included Spontaneous newlinepain, pain on walking, VDS and Tenderness. These were assessed on every 7th day. Other newlineparameters like BMI, Diabetic history, presence of calcaneal spur were evaluated at prior newlinestudy. newlineResults newlineBetween groups comparison showed, Iontophoresis with Nirgundi (Vitex negundo Linn.) newlineaqueous extract group had significant improvements in spontaneous pain and VDS, While newlineIontophoresis with 0.4% dexamethasone had significant improvement in Pain on walking and newlinetenderness. Though with between group comparison, there was statistical difference in these newlinetwo parameters, within group analysis showed statistically significant results with Nirgundi newline(Vitex negundo Linn.) iontophoresis. newlineConclusion newlineBoth treatments were effective, with Nirgundi showing comparable results to Dexamethasone newlinein reducing spontaneous pain and VDS scores. However, Dexamethasone was more effective newlinein relieving pain on walking and tenderness. Both treatments offer viable options for newlinemanaging plantar fasciitis.