It sounds a lot worse than it is, but Haglund’s Deformity is no laughing matter. Leading to painful bursitis on the heel, it is a foot condition that should be seen to promptly, says Dr. Adam Teichman, owner and founder of East Penn Foot & Ankle Associates in Allentown, Easton, and Reading, Pennsylvania. Here, he talks about why we get this unpleasant condition, and what a competent foot and ankle surgeon can do about it.
Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that often leads to a painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursar sac between the tendon and bone. In Haglund’s Deformity, the soft tissue in the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony tissue rubs against the shoe.
That’s why Haglund’s Deformity, which was named after the Swedish orthopedist Sims E. P. Haglund, is also called a “pump bump.” It is more common in young women who wear high heels or pumps. Symptoms include a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, swelling in the back of the heel, and redness near the swelling. There can also be pain where the Achilles tendon inserts to the heel.
The causes of Haglund’s deformity are many. Heredity plays a role. High arches contribute to Haglund’s Deformity, and also a tight Achilles tendon. Saying that, Haglund’s Deformity is usually easy to diagnose correctly, whatever the cause. The diagnostic tools we used to diagnose this condition include a plain film x-ray, MRI or ultrasound for further evaluation.
Varied Treatment Program
There are both non-surgical and surgical approaches when it comes to treating Haglund’s Deformity. Non-surgical approaches that we use include Rice Therapy, which is Rest, Ice, Cold or Compression and Elevation; wearing shoes without heels; wearing heel pads; having a shoe modification; physical therapy; orthotic devices; immobilization and NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications.
If surgery is needed, it will be decided on case-by-case basis. It involves removing the spur from the bump and reattaching the Achilles tendon. Prevention will include wearing appropriate shoes and avoiding pumps and high heels, using arch supports, stretching the Achilles tendon and avoiding running on hard surfaces and running uphill.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
