Many people have experienced at some point in their lives persistent and stabbing pain in the heel that can interfere not only in sports activities but also in the natural development of our daily activities. We are talking about talalgia or heel pain.
Why does the heel hurt?
Most of us have surely heard the typical phrase “Does your heel hurt? You must have a heel spur, get an x-ray”. But are all heel pains caused by the famous heel spur? Moreover, is the heel spur really the cause of the pain?
Despite the universal fame that the calcaneal spur once adopted as the cause of talalgia, it has now been more than proven that this is not the case. The calcaneal spur is nothing more than a calcification of the birth of the plantar fascia in the heel, a structure that helps support the bridge of the foot.
Following the development of medicine, most experts agree that there is something wrong with the foot of these patients and it is this something that causes, as a consequence, pain in the heel and the appearance of the heel spur.
Why do we find talalgia without a spur?
The answer is simple: there are many and diverse causes that can produce problems on the heel. The symptoms that we present, as well as the appearance or not of a spur in the X-ray, will depend on the nature of the cause of the alteration.
It is logical to assume, then, that the most appropriate treatment will vary according to the patient’s actual diagnosis.
Should I be concerned if I suffer from thalalalgia?
Almost all of these disorders are due to mechanical causes, all of which are benign. Unfortunately, the torpid evolutionary course of these processes means that patients may perceive this situation as a major health problem, as it can limit their daily activities.
Why is the foot so susceptible to this type of alteration?
The foot is the base of our organism and puts us human beings in contact with the ground. It supports our weight and propels us forward to move during walking. It is to be expected that, given these diverse functions, its structure needs to be dynamic, changing, capable of adapting to the needs of each moment.
While standing, we need a flexible structure to cushion the weight of our body. On the other hand, in order to take off and propel ourselves while walking, we need a rigid and consistent structure capable of providing leverage against the ground.
In order to change from a flexible foot to a rigid foot in a natural way, the numerous parts that form the foot must work harmoniously. When this does not happen, some structures of the foot begin to suffer, producing, as the most frequent symptom, pain.
Should I see a medical professional if I suffer from talalgia?
To go to a medical professional specialized in Traumatology is essential to guide the patient towards the restoration of his problem. Although the therapeutic ladder is broadly similar for most ailments (whenever possible, less aggressive treatments should be chosen), the assessment by the specialist is crucial to obtain a good diagnosis and receive the most appropriate specific treatment.