Causes of Heel Pain in Women
Jul 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
The fundamental cause of heel pain is aseptic inflammation. First, consider whether your footwear fits properly—ill-fitting shoes can lead to retrocalcaneal bursitis. A common condition is plantar fasciitis, which results from chronic, minor trauma and causes pain on one or both sides of the heel; the area is typically neither red nor swollen, yet walking becomes difficult. Lastly, excessive fatigue can also cause heel pain, as overuse of the feet readily leads to discomfort in the heel region.
There are many causes of heel pain; however, the fundamental underlying cause is inflammation—specifically, aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation. This type of inflammation commonly arises from chronic overuse or sports-related injuries, differing from bacterial infections commonly recognized in daily life.
First, consider whether your footwear fits properly. Women who frequently wear high heels may develop retrocalcaneal bursitis due to friction and irritation caused by ill-fitting high-heeled shoes. The bursal wall may become thickened, with fluid accumulation within the bursa, leading to localized swelling and tenderness.
Second, heel pain may stem from pathological changes affecting the calcaneal bone, joints, bursae, or fascia. A common example is plantar fasciitis, typically seen in individuals who stand or walk for prolonged periods. Chronic, low-grade trauma leads to pain—often unilateral or bilateral—in the heel region, without visible redness or swelling, and impairs ambulation.
Lastly, excessive fatigue can also cause heel pain. For instance, spending an entire day shopping places sustained stress on the feet, easily triggering heel discomfort. Wearing poorly fitting shoes further exacerbates this pain.
