Causes of Heel Pain in Women
May 16, 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 long-standing, 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; overuse of the feet readily leads to discomfort in the heel region.
There are numerous causes of heel pain; however, the underlying cause is typically inflammation—specifically, aseptic (non-infectious) inflammation. This type of inflammation commonly results from chronic overuse or sports-related injuries, distinguishing it from bacterial infections commonly recognized in daily life.
First, consider whether your footwear fits properly. For instance, 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 thicken, and the bursa fills with fluid, leading to localized swelling and tenderness.
Second, heel pain may arise from pathological changes affecting the calcaneal bone, joints, bursae, or fascia. A common example is plantar fasciitis, which typically affects individuals who stand or walk for prolonged periods. Chronic, low-grade trauma leads to pain on one or both sides of the heel—without redness or swelling—and impairs walking.
Lastly, excessive fatigue can also cause heel pain. For example, spending an entire day shopping places sustained stress on the feet, easily triggering heel pain. Wearing poorly fitting shoes further exacerbates this discomfort.
