Talalgia: managing heel pain
What are the main symptoms of talalgia?
- Morning stiffness on foot support
- Inflammation
- Burning sensation
- Pain in certain movements

What is talalgia?
Talalgia is pain localized on the back of the foot (retropied). It is one of the most common foot problems.
A wide variety of pathologies can lead to talalgia, including plantar enthesitis (inflammation/plantar fasciitis)pathologies of the Aquilian complex (Achilles tendon, retro-calcaneal bursitis, etc.), pathologies of the supra-astragalian joint (osteoarthritis), pathologies of the ankle tendons and other pathologies such as stress or insufficiency fractures.
What causes talalgia?
There are many causes of talalgia, which can be linked to :
- An anatomical malformation
- Trauma
- Tissue overload
- Or posture problems
This tissue overload can result from altered body biomechanics, unsuitable footwear or over-exertion.

When should you see a doctor?
If you experience heel pain that makes walking or standing awkward, a consultation with your GP will enable you to make a diagnosis and plan treatment.
How is talalgia treated at Réadaptation Charmilles?
- An attentiveattentive listening : At Réadaptation Charmilles Our approach begins by listening carefully to your concerns, followed by a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of your pain.
- A precise diagnosis of the underlying causes of pain: Our first step in approaching the treatment of talalgia is to carry out a precise physiotherapeutic diagnosis based on scientifically validated tests. This involves identifying the specific causes underlying the pain. The diagnosis is established during your 1ʳᵉ assessment session.
- Physiotherapyphysiotherapy sessions: These sessions aim to rehabilitate the tissues. In the first phase, the main aim is to reduce pain using appropriate techniques. In a second phase, the aim is to restore functionality and prevent pain from returning.
- Techniques for pain relief : We employ pain relief techniques that scientific studies have shown to be best suited to modulating pain and promoting the healing process.
- Podiatryonsulting in podiatry :
Choosing the right shoes: We provide professional advice on choosing shoes that offer the right support and protection for the heel. The choice of footwear plays a crucial role in preventing pain and supporting the structure of the foot.
Use of orthotics: In some cases, the use of orthopedic inserts may be necessary. These inserts are custom-designed to correct specific imbalances and provide extra support where needed.

Preventing talalgia
To prevent the recurrence of heel pain, we recommend the implementation of good practices such as:
- Choosing shoes that support the foot properly
- Regular practice of specific stretches for the foot and ankle
- Maintaining a healthy body weight
Regular check-ups by a specialist can also help detect and treat problems before they become more serious.

A few exercises to relieve you
There are simple exercises you can do at home to relieve talalgia. Here are a few that can help reduce pain, improve mobility and strengthen the muscles around the heel:

Achilles tendon stretching :
- Stand facing a wall, with your hands at eye level.
- Move the non-painful foot forward, knee bent, and keep the painful foot behind, knee straight.
- Gently push your hips towards the wall, keeping the heel of your back foot on the ground.
- Hold for 15 to 30 seconds, then release. Repeat 3 times.
Stretching the sole of the foot :
- Sitting down, cross one leg over the other and grasp your painful foot.
- Gently pull the toes towards you, until you feel a stretch on the ball of the foot and along the heel.
- Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, then release. Repeat 3 times.


Rolling a ball underfoot:
- Sit on a chair and place a tennis ball (or similar) under your foot.
- Gently roll the ball under your foot, from front to back and side to side, pressing lightly.
- Continue for 2 to 3 minutes, then change feet if necessary.
These exercises can be performed daily to help relieve the pain associated with talalgia. It's important to listen to your body and avoid any movements that cause pain. If the pain persists, consult a specialist for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.