Haglund’s deformity, or “pump bump, ” is a bone abnormality that makes wearing pumps (heels) with tight backs painful. It affects one or both feet and causes discomfort after rest periods or when you start to walk.
Learn more about the causes of this bone growth, its risk factors and treatment options, and the differences between Haglund’s deformity vs heel spur.
What Is Haglund’s Deformity?
Sometimes called Haglund’s syndrome, this condition manifests as a bony enlargement on the calcaneus (heel bone). This growth irritates the soft tissue that attaches to the Achilles tendon, causing heel pain when you wear tight shoes.
Causes and Risk Factors
You’re more prone to this condition when you wear tight, narrow shoes that put pressure on the heel. That includes ice skates, men’s dress shoes, heels, and other footwear with rigid backs. More contributing factors include:
- Tight Achilles tendons
- Genetic predisposition
- Overtraining
- High foot arches
- Walking outside the heel
Symptoms and Diagnosis
Haglund’s syndrome presents the following symptoms.
- Heel pain
- Restricted ankle joint movement
- Swollen Achilles tendon
- Noticeable bony growth on your heel
- Redness and swelling of your posterior heel
Diagnosis may involve a range of imaging tests and physical exams, including:
- Ultrasounds and MRIs to examine the pathology of the Achilles tendon and bursa
- X-rays to view the bony growth’s extent
- Feeling the posterior heel for signs of inflammation
Haglund’s Deformity vs Heel Spur
Although both bony growths cause heel pain, every condition has unique causes and treatment methods. While Haglund’s syndrome occurs at the posterior heel where the Achilles tendon attaches, heel spurs protrude from the bottom of the heel where the plantar fascia connects to the heel bone. Your doctor may perform imaging tests to distinguish between these conditions for accurate diagnosis.
Haglund’s Deformity Treatment Options
There are various treatment approaches for the pump bump.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical treatment may not reduce the bony protrusion, but it will relieve your symptoms. Options include:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to ease pain and inflammation
- Stretching exercises to relax the Achilles tendon
- Orthotics for biomechanical relief
- Physical therapy to relieve inflammation
- Wearing supportive shoes
- Immobilization and rest to manage inflammation
Haglund’s Deformity Surgery
Your doctor may also recommend surgical removal of the bony growth and inflamed tissue when other treatment options don’t relieve your symptoms. Make sure to follow your surgeon’s post-operative instructions for full recovery.
Preventing Haglund’s Deformity
The following measures can lower your risk of Haglund’s syndrome.
- Wear supportive shoes—avoid footwear with stiff backs that can injure your heel
- Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the heels
- Weight management to ease pressure on your feet
- Stretch before exercising to avoid injuring your tendons, muscles, and ligaments
- Avoid exercising with injuries
- Increase your workout intensity gradually to avoid sudden strain on your heels
When to See a Specialist
This might be your cue to get a professional examination:
- Your feet are swollen
- Your pain keeps getting worse
- You have trouble standing, walking, or performing your day-to-day activities
Regular check-ups are recommended if you have a family history of foot issues. That way, you can identify the condition in its initial stages and improve your chances of recovery.
Conclusion
Haglund’s deformity management starts with understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and treatments for this condition. Is heel pain preventing you from living your best life? Contact Foot Specialists of Birmingham for a professional examination and treatment.
