MANAGEMENT OF SOFT TISSUE INJURY OF GULPHA SANDHI AND AYURVEDIC APPROACH

Soft tissue injuries of the ankle joint (Gulpha Sandhi) are among the most frequently encountered conditions in Shalya Tantra outpatient practice. These injuries commonly result from trauma and may involve ligaments, muscles, and periarticular soft tissues, with ankle sprain being the predominant cause of pain when fractures and dislocations are excluded. Although fractures of the lower end of the fibula are also observed, sprain injuries constitute the majority of cases presenting with functional impairment. In most instances, except for severe ligamentous disruptions, conservative management yields satisfactory outcomes. The Ayurvedic approach emphasizes local application of Mahāviṣagarbha Taila, which possesses Vāta-hara, Śothahara, and Vedanāsthāpana properties, combined with supportive bandaging or ankle binders to provide stability and promote healing. The study included 10 cases of soft tissue injury of Gulpha sandhi. This integrative conservative regimen offers an effective, safe, and economical method for managing soft tissue injuries of Gulpha Sandhi and facilitates early recovery of function.