74 operations for the removal of calcaneal spurs at the "G. Pini" Orthopaedic Clinic in Milan over the post 20 years have been examined. After a brief summary of the main aetiopathogenetic theories, the symptomatological picture and various surgical techniques, and the data on the cases encountered are analysed. A high percentage of failures is reported. It is hoped that all cases of talalgia due to calcaneal spur will initially be given conservative therapy. Only if this fails should surgery be considered.