Ayurvedic View On Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome & Its Treatment

Abstract

Today’s world is coming across a lot of health issues and these new health issues are either the major problem by themselves or are an indication towards the big thing that is going to rise. Though as a human we react to such new things but only when it is hampering our condition real bad or starts playing with our day to day life. But humans should start reacting much sooner as at the earliest stage we know the cause of trouble and even if we don’t but still it is easy to manage in early times. In this article we are going to discuss one such situation and it is Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.

Let’s discuss its details now!!

Introduction of Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome

Whenever we discuss any condition it’s important about its definition. So, defining Grierson-Gopalan syndrome it is stated that it is a set of symptoms in which the feet become uncomfortably hot and painful. The burning sensation can become extreme at night but subsides during the day. Grierson-Gopalan syndrome is also called burning feet syndrome and can range from mild to severe. The heat and pain is limited to soles and feet. But in severe cases can affect tops of feet, ankles and lower legs. Now understanding the situation from the Ayurvedic point of view then this condition directly points finger towards the heat element in the body and that is pitta dosha. But if understood deeply it is not a disease it is a symptom and in Ayurveda we do not treat symptom we treat the root cause So, aggravation of pitta dosha can be either alone or can be the result of a particular condition, which is associated with kapha or vata dosha and how we will learn it later in this article.

Causes of burning feet syndrome or Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome

Allopathic science or modern science explains it as a result of different conditions or diseases. It includes the following categories:

1. Due to nerve entrapment or nerve damage
2. Some endocrine or metabolic disorders
3. Infections
4. Skin disorders
5. Other causes

1. Due to nerve entrapment or nerve damage

This case can occur due to various illnesses, or related to back injuries, degenerative changes, as a result of chemotherapy or exposure to toxins.

• Peripheral neuropathy is the most common to blame in this category of causes. Peripheral neuropathy means when the peripheral sensory nerves connecting the spinal cord and extremities get damaged.
• Secondly, there are certain conditions like morton’s neuroma (resulting in tissue thickening between the bones at base of toes), tarsal tunnel syndrome (tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside ankle and tibia nerve runs through this tunnel when this nerve is compressed then burning and pain is observed in the ankle and feet) and Complex regional pain syndrome (generally after injury or surgery).

2. Some endocrine or metabolic disorders

The most common endocrine or metabolic disorders resulting in Grierson-Gopalan syndrome are diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism. Diabetes mellitus can result in nerve damage. It causes peripheral neuropathy which is mentioned above. In case of hypothyroidism the burning and pan can be due to underactive thyroid gland.

3. Infections

The infections like Athletes foot, due to development of fungi which grows in moist and warm areas of skin cause itching, burning and pain in feet.

4. Other causes

Other causes may include ill-fitting shoes, due to excessive physical stress like while exercising or physical injury, contact dermatitis, multiple sclerosis or some psychosomatic conditions.

The reasons for pitta aggravation must be mentioned under the causes of burning feet syndrome or Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. In Ayurveda it can be very well understood as the situation arising due to high levels of pitta dosha but as mentioned earlier it can be either alone or due to kapha or vata as well. The factors like having too much pungent, spicy, hot food along with curd and sour substances can aggravate pitta dosha which can further result in mixing of pitta with blood due to their similar properties. Now, due to the gravity effect there can be adho gati of pitta along with blood. Due to improper circulation which can be the result of kapha or vata imbalance, the stagnation of this pitta mixed blood in the lower extremities will cause burning feet syndrome.

Symptoms of burning feet or Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome

The most common symptoms include the following:

• Sensation of burning which eases in day and worsens at night
• Numb legs and feets
• Sharp pain of stabbing nature
• Feeling of heaviness in both feet
• Pain of mild severity and can worse at night
• Red skin over feet and a continues warmth is felt
• Pin pricking sensation or tingling sensation

Ayurveda, as explained above, mentions pitta aggravation as a result of improper diet style along with some specific lifestyle like having too much caffeine products, not sleeping properly, eating at late nights or skipping meals, not having proper food etc. But in some cases the situation might arise if there is involvement of kapha dosha and vata dosha as well.

Diagnosis of burning feet or Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome

Obviously, a patient visits the doctor when things are generally out of control. At that time, your physician determine the underlying:

• Physical examination to know about the cause and might check over your reflexes if symptoms suggestive of nerve entrapment.
• Blood tests to determine your blood sugar levels, nutritional deficiencies and other things
• Nerve function tests

If you decide to visit an Ayurvedic physician, then you can observe something extra then just performing tests. You are questioned about your diet and your lifestyle. The further things will be based on your answers.

Treatment of burning feet or Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome

The modern science advise following treatment as a self care options:

• Soak feet in cool water for at least 15 minutes. It will give you temporary relief.
• Don’t expose your feet to heat
• Raise your legs before going to bed

In prescription following things are generally included:

1. NSAID (Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs)
2. Application of some ointments
3. In case of diabetes, blood glucose controlling medicine
4. Nutritional supplements
5. Analgesics
6. Antidepressants
7. Antifungal drugs etc.

(Prescription will be based on the underlying condition)

Physical therapy and Exercise like for nerve entrapment , Foot pads Or surgery are certain additional things.

In Ayurveda, the patient is generally guided with things which are associated with your lifestyle and diet at first. Then depending on the associated condition certain things will be definitely guided. Following is the protocol that will be followed:

• Controlling the associated condition, if any
• Pitta pacifying diet and lifestyle or any other type of lifestyle and diet if needed
• Some herbal combination helping in same like amalaki rasayan, praval pishti, chandanadi vati, kaishore guggul etc and also for associated condition (if any)

Herbal formulations by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned Ayurvedic company which deals with the manufacturing and preparation of herbal formulations. These formulations are prepared using potent herbs and their extracts which are really effective in managing many conditions like burning feet syndrome. The formulations or products prepared by Planet Ayurveda do not contain any kind of adulterants, dyes, additives, fillers etc. These medications are really potent in supporting the recovery of the body from this condition and hence giving positive noticeable results. The medication or formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda for the management of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome are as follows:

1. PITTA BALANCE
2. CHANDANADI VATI
3. AMALAKI RASAYAN
4. KAISHORE GUGGUL
5. JATYADI TAILAM
6. VRAN RAKSHAS TEL

Product description

1. PITTA BALANCE

Pitta balance is a herbal preparation which is prepared using the herbal compounds like raval pishti (coral calcium), mukta pishti (pearl calcium), jahar Mohra pishti and many more. The ingredients in this preparation are really amazing as they have cold potency and successfully help in balancing the imbalanced pitta dosha. The hampered digestion is also corrected using this preparation. The pitta balance also has fantastic results in hyper acidity, excessive formation of gas, helpful in reduction of cramps in abdomen and also detoxifies blood from excess of pitta dosha.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

2. CHANDANADI VATI

Chandanadi vati is a classical formulation which has ingredients like shveta chandana (Santalum album), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), maricha (Piper cubera) and many other effective herbs as its ingredients. The tablet has really great results as an anti-inflammatory agent and also reduces burning in feet. The chandanadi vati is helpful in balancing pitta dosha and also has its impact on blood too. The formulation is effective as an cooling agent and also helpful in many disorders which are having burning sensation as their typical symptom like burning sensation while urinating, burning sensation in stomach and many others.

Dosage: Two tablets twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

3. AMALAKI RASAYAN

Amalaki rasayan is also a classical preparation which has amalaki or amla (Emblica officinalis) as its ingredient. The capsules are prepared from the standardised extract of the herb and have very good results as a rejuvenating agent. The formulation can be used in many conditions and has its effect on all three doshas. It pacifies kapha, vata and pitta dosha. Moreover, this has immunomodulatory effect, analgesic and gastroprotective effect. The best effect of amalaki rasayan is on nerves as it has nerve protecting properties as well. All over it helps in lowering the cholesterol levels too.

Dosage: One capsule twice daily after meals with lukewarm water.

4. KAISHORE GUGGUL

Kaishore guggul is a very popular ayurvedic formulation which ahs ingredients like malaki (Emblica officinalis), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), black pepper (Piper nigrum) and many others. This classical preparation is best for excreting toxins from the body which can be present in the form of ama or endotoxins in that case. As the body detoxifies, so is the blood the aggravated pitta dosha as well as other aggravated doshas gets balanced slowly thus putting the body in balance. In addition, it also helps in reducing swelling and has an analgesic effect as well.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals with lukewarm water.

5. JATYADI TAILAM

The jatyadi taila is again one of the classical formulations and is in oil form. The oil is prepared using herbs like chameli (Jasminum Officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), Patola patra (Stereospermum chelonoides), Madhuchchhisht (Beeswax), mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and many others. The jatyadi oil is really good as it is helpful in reducing skin inflammation and redness. Moreover, it has a bit of cooling effect and is really good in burning feet syndrome as it eases the pain and inflammation in this case. Jatyadi taila is very helpful in healing wounds and inmany skin conditions too. In this case it works by easing the burning in the feet and also helps in pain, if present.

How To Apply: Wash your feet and pat dry. Now give your feet a gentle massage with the oil.

6. VRAN RAKSHAS TEL

Vran rakshas is a classical preparation which is prepared using some minerals like Parad (Purified mercury), Gandhak (purified sulphur), Manashila (purified realgar), Sindhura (processed mercury and sulphur), Hartal (Arsenic trisulphide), Tamara bhasma (calcined copper) mixed along with Sarshapa taila (Mustard oil), Rasona (garlic- Allium sativum) and Visha (Aconitum ferox). According to it’s ingredients it is an herbo mineral preparation and has great results in many skin conditions. In this case it helps in reducing the burning in the feet and can also help in reducing the pain. The vran rakshas oil has a great effect in reducing kapha dosha especially which can be the possible reason for burning feet syndrome like in diabetes.

How To Apply: Wash your feet and pat dry. Now give your feet a gentle massage with the oil.

Conclusion

Burning feet syndrome is not a condition which is only due to pitta dosha. Sometimes as mentioned earlier the aggravation of pitta dosha is the result of some other factors too like high levels of kapha or vata. In this case there is one thing that has to be made certain of why there are high levels of pitta in the body. Actually burning feet syndrome is more a symptom indicating a condition than being a major condition. So burning and pain might be due to vata or kapha dosha. To rule out this it’s better to take expert advice instead of reaching to any conclusion on your own. Drop your queries at www.planetayurveda.com