Related articles: Tallonite
Definition
Tallonitis is an inflammation that affects the back of the foot, especially in the heel area.
Among the factors that predispose to the onset of the disorder include postural alterations, repeated traumatic heel stresses and the habit of wearing footwear not suitable for the shape of the foot (eg prolonged use of high heels and narrow shoes).
The origin of heel inflammation can also be affected by very intense athletic activities, overweight and a sedentary lifestyle.
Tallonitis can also be caused by metabolic causes (eg gout), rheumatic (ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.) or congenital (hollow or flat arch).
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Foot pain
- Heel pain
- Swollen and tired feet
Further indications
The heel manifests with pain, sometimes very intense, located in the lower hindfoot.
Usually, the symptoms are more severe in the morning, upon awakening; during the day, the painful sensation then tends to flare up again, especially when walking, after sitting or standing for a long time. Pain can be aggravated by a concomitant heel spur.
Tallonitis can be diagnosed through a specialist examination that includes the execution of a radiographic and postural examination of the foot. An MRI or ultrasound scan gives a more in-depth picture, showing the state of the surrounding soft tissues, possible hematomas, edemas, lesions and thickening at the level of the plantar fascia.
The treatment of tallonitis varies depending on the causes that determine the inflammation. Usually, the tallonite requires a functional rest of at least 15 days. Other therapeutic approaches may include taking NSAIDs and physical therapy aimed at stretching the calf muscles and the soft parts of the foot.
In the most serious cases, we intervene with massages, ultrasounds and tecar therapy, possibly associated with local infiltrations.
