Abstract
M.Tech.
Onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) is a painful condition of the toe (Harvey and Bossart,
2002). It is the most common foot problem seen by podiatrists (Mayeaux, 2000) and
occurs when there is chronic pressure on the lateral nail fold of the toe by the nail plate
(Marcinko, 1992). Symptoms include erythema (redness) of the lateral nail Cold, oedema
(swelling) of the lateral nail fold, tenderness to pressure on the lateral nail fold and
infection of the lateral nail fold (Abramson et al., 1990).
This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the homoeopathic remedy Maguetis Palms.
Australis 200CH and IM, in the treatment of the symptoms of onychocryptosis of the
hallux, namely pain, tenderness to pressure, oedema, erythema and infection. The double-blind placebo study involved thirty participants. The placebo group
comprised of ten participants and the experimental group comprised of twenty
participants, ten of whom received Maguelis /'alms Australis 200CH and the remaining
ten received Maguelis Pu/us Australis I M. Consent and personal data forms (Appendix A
and Appendix B) were completed and the participants were examined and assessed by a
podiatrist (Appendix C). Each group took the homoeopathic or placebo medication orally
three times daily for a period of two weeks. At a fbIlow-up consultation, dun ing week 3,
participants were assessed and the podiatrist completed. an assessment questionnaire
(Appendix C). At the end of the research period these questionnaires were collected and
statistically analyzed using the chi-square test. The study indicated that the remedy, Magnelis Palms. Au.s.tralis 200CH and 1M showed an
improvement in the symptoms, 'pain in the hallux' and 'tenderness to pressure on the
hallux'. The IM potency showed a noticeable improvement in the symptom 'tenderness
to pressure on the hallux'. However, further research should be conducted using a larger
sample group to elicit more statistically significant results.