If you notice a painful bump on the back of your heel at the location where your Achilles tendon attaches to the bone, then you may have a Haglund’s deformity. While this abnormality frequently affects women who wear high heels and is known as the “pump bump,” it can similarly affect anyone who wears shoes with tight, rigid backs.
People who have flat feet and those with tight Achilles tendons are more susceptible to developing Haglund’s deformity since these conditions increase the pressure on the heel that causes the bony enlargement to develop. Some of the symptoms include extreme heel pain, swelling, and blistering, and bursitis may also be evident.
Initial treatment for Haglund’s deformity
Eliminating the source of the irritation by wearing shoes that don’t rub on the heel will help immediately. Try wearing backless footwear like sandals or clogs to give your heels a rest. Applying ice packs to the heel will help to reduce swelling. Simple heel pads added to your footwear backs can also ease pain and rubbing. If you have a tight Achilles tendon or high arches, always use the correct arch supports and perform daily tendon stretching exercises suggested by your podiatrist. Ibuprofen or other over-the-counter pain relievers can reduce swelling and discomfort.
Further treatment options for Haglund’s deformity
If the bump continues to get larger and if the pain becomes worse, there are several other options for treatment that may include:
Custom orthotic shoe inserts—By redistributing the pressure on the heel, these inserts can relieve swelling, rubbing, and discomfort.
Foot immobilization—In severe cases, it may be necessary to wear a walking boot or soft cast so the foot has a chance to properly heal.
If these methods do not improve the condition, a surgical procedure may be necessary to reshape the bone.
If you are suffering with heel pain, consult with our board certified podiatrists atFoot and Ankle Center of Fort Lee, LLC. The center offers convenient locations in Fort Lee NJ, Ringwood NJ, Flushing Queens NY, Woodhaven NY, Brooklyn NY, and Forest Hills NY. Contact us at (201) 363-9844 and schedule an appointment today!
