Pronunciation: [talˈald͡ʒə] (IPA) 
Talalgia is a medical term used to describe heel pain. The word is derived from two Greek words, "talon" meaning heel and "algos" meaning pain. The spelling of "talalgia" is phonetically transcribed as /təˈlæl.dʒə/, with the first syllable "tə" pronounced as in "cat" and the second syllable "læl" pronounced as in "alcohol". The "g" in "talalgia" is silent, and the final syllable "dʒə" is pronounced as the "j" in "jeep".
Talalgia refers to a medical condition characterized by pain or discomfort in the heel, usually caused by inflammation or injury to the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot, connecting the heel bone to the toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it can result in acute or chronic heel pain, known as talalgia.
There are several potential causes of talalgia, including overuse or excessive strain on the foot, such as prolonged periods of standing or running on hard surfaces. Other contributing factors may include improper footwear, obesity, foot abnormalities, or certain medical conditions such as arthritis or diabetes.
The symptoms of talalgia typically involve a sharp or stabbing pain in the heel that may worsen with activity or after long periods of rest. The pain may also manifest as a dull ache or tightness in the heel or arch of the foot. Some individuals may experience difficulty walking or tender points around the affected area.
Treatment options for talalgia may include rest, applying ice or cold packs to the affected area, gentle stretching exercises, wearing supportive footwear or orthotic inserts, and taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. In more severe cases, physical therapy, immobilization with a cast or brace, or corticosteroid injections may be recommended. Surgical intervention is only considered in rare cases when conservative treatments have failed to alleviate symptoms.
Pain in the heel, pternalgia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "talalgia" comes from the combination of two Greek roots: "talaos" meaning "ankle" and "algos" meaning "pain". Therefore, "talalgia" refers to pain specifically in the ankle region.
