Uloga Suttigai (Metal Cauterization) and Pattikattal (Bandaging) with Kunthriga Thailam in the Management of Kuthikaal Vatham (Haglund’s disease) – A Case Report

Abstract

Haglund’s disease is the term used to describe posterosuperior calcaneal prominence linked with pain in the retrocalcaneal region. Most of the patients suffering from this condition do not profit from conservative treatment and consequently undergo surgical treatment which results in long recovery period and vary in results. In Siddha system of medicine, Haglund’s disease is referred to as Kuthikaal Vatham. Suttigai is a Para surgical procedure used in treating chronic conditions and various thailam (medicated oil) are used in the management of Vatha Noigal (disease caused due to vitiated vatha humour). As Uloga Suttigai (Metal Cauterization) and Pattikattal (Bandaging) provides significant relief in this condition and not been subjected to scientific evaluation yet, this study reports the effectiveness of Uloga Suttigai and Pattikattal with Kunthriga Thailam in the management of Kuthikaal Vatham in a 58-year-old male patient who reported with complaints of swelling and progressive pain behind the right heel, aggravating on walking after rest and more during ambulation for the past 2 years. He was diagnosed with Kuthikaal Vatham and treated with this treatment modalities. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Ankle-Hindfoot Scale was used before and after treatment to evaluate its effectiveness. Following treatment, AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Score improved from 18% to 95%. The pain, tenderness and restriction of movements reduced as a result. These results shows that Kuthikaal Vatham can be successfully managed through Uloga Suttigai and Pattikattal with Kunthriga thailam.