There are many causes of heel pain in women and it is not just due to the use of high heels. It can be caused by various factors related to pressure or injury to the heel.
Introduction
Our heel is actually the largest and most important bone out of the 26 bones in our foot. The heel not only supports our weight, but also functions to absorb pressure every time we walk, run, or jump . Imagine if the heel wasn’t there – every step would feel heavier and more difficult!
However, sometimes our heels can get messy, and one of the most common problems is heel pain. One of the main causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis, where there is a bony bulge at the bottom of the heel.
This bulge can cause very severe pain, especially when we stand for a long time or walk. The reason is that the tissue that connects the heel to the toes becomes inflamed, and it can affect our movement. So, if your heel hurts, don’t ignore it! It’s better to take care of it and pay attention so that it doesn’t interfere with our daily activities.
Causes of Heel Pain
Here are some causes of heel pain in women:
1. Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis occurs when the thick tissue on the bottom of your foot (the plantar fascia) is put under excessive pressure. This is often caused by walking or standing for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces. As a result, this tissue becomes inflamed and causes pain, especially when you first get up in the morning or after sitting for a long time.
2. Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel, is subjected to excessive stress or overuse. Activities such as running or jumping can cause this tendon to become inflamed, resulting in pain in the back of the heel.
3. Heel spurs (Heel Spurs)
Heel spurs form when there is a small bony growth on the bottom of the heel. This is usually caused by repetitive strain on the muscles and ligaments that attach to the heel bone, as well as pressure on the plantar fascia.Heel spursoften associated with plantar fasciitis.
4. Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that protects muscles and tendons near joints, becomes inflamed due to repetitive stress or friction. Women who wear ill-fitting shoes or stand for long periods of time are at higher risk of developing bursitis in the heel.
5. Stress Fracture (Stress Fractures)
Stress fractures are small cracks in the bone caused by repeated and prolonged stress. They often occur in women who are active in sports such as running or long-distance walking, where excessive load is placed on the heel.
6. Rheumatoid Arthritis (Rheumatoid Arthritis)
This autoimmune disease attacks the joints, including the joints in the heel, causing chronic inflammation. This inflammation can cause constant pain and impaired movement, especially in the morning.
7. Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This syndrome occurs when the tibial nerve, which is located in the tarsal tunnel (at the ankle), becomes compressed. This causes pain, numbness, or burning in the heel and sole of the foot. This syndrome is often associated with structural foot problems such as flat feet.
8. Achilles Tendon Rupture (Achilles Tendon Rupture)
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon tears due to a sudden movement or extreme stress, such as a sudden jump. This is a serious injury that causes severe pain and requires immediate treatment.
9. Haglund’s deformity
Haglund’s deformity occurs when there is a bony bump on the back of the heel, caused by constant friction from tight shoes. This friction causes inflammation and pain in the area, especially when wearing shoes.
10. Psoriatic Arthritis (Psoriatic Arthritis)
This disease is a type of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a skin disorder . It can cause inflammation of the joints in the heels, resulting in pain and swelling.
How to Overcome
Here are ways to overcome the causes of heel pain in women:
1. Rest and Reduce Activity
Reduce activities that put pressure on your heels, such as standing for long periods of time or running. Adequate rest will give the tissues time to recover.
2. Use of Appropriate Shoes
Wear shoes that support the arch of your foot and provide comfort to your heels. Ill-fitting shoes can put added pressure on your heels.
3. Stretching Exercises
Do stretching exercises that focus on your calf muscles and plantar fascia. This can help reduce tension in your heels.
4. Use of Orthotics
Insoles or orthotics can help reduce pressure on the heel and provide extra support for the foot.
5. Physiotherapy Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve muscle strength and reduce tension in the tendons and ligaments around the heel.
6. Ice Application
Placing ice on the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and swelling.
7. Anti-Inflammatory Medication
Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce inflammation and pain in the heel.
8. Corticosteroid Injections
If pain persists, corticosteroid injections can help relieve inflammation more effectively, especially in cases of chronic bursitis or plantar fasciitis.
9. Surgery
In severe cases such as heel spurs or Achilles tendon ruptures, surgery may be necessary to repair the damage and reduce pain.
10. Weight Management
Maintaining an ideal body weight can reduce pressure on the heel, thereby reducing the risk of recurring heel pain.
Heel pain can be caused by a variety of factors such as inflammation, excessive pressure, or injury. It is important to identify the underlying cause of heel pain in order to receive appropriate treatment.
Preventive measures for heel pain in women, such as wearing the right shoes and maintaining a healthy weight, can also help reduce the risk of recurring heel pain. If the pain persists, seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Republished with permission from theAsianParent Malaysia
