Haglund’s Deformity (aka Pump Bump) is a bony deformity of the heel, occurring on either one or both feet. It gets this unique name from one of its causes: high heeled shoes. It’s not surprising that this fashionable shoe can cause foot injuries; after all, isn’t there a saying ‘beauty is pain’? And, boy can Haglund’s be painful!
Although shoes gear does play a role, Haglund’s deformity is often hereditary, meaning it runs in families. Families with a certain foot type (high arches or tight Achilles tendons) are at an increased risk for developing it.
Haglund’s first appears as a large bony bump on the back of the heel, often right at the attachment of the Achilles tendon. It can become very swollen, red, and painful and over time, can progress to bursitis (inflammation between the tendon and the bone). Wearing shoes with a tight, rigid heel will become nearly impossible because of the discomfort. These painful symptoms are what encourage most people to make an appointment with our office.
When you come into our office, we will assess the severity of the bump and tailor the treatment to your specific stage of the deformity. Treatment options (depending on severity) include:
- Taking pressure off of the bone – this can be achieved with orthotics, heel cushions/pads or wearing open-heel shoes.
- Pain control – NSAIDs (e.g. Tylenol), icing, heat and massage.
- Surgery – if the conservative treatments fail, the excess bone can be removed surgically. Surgical treatment is reserved for the most severe cases.
If you are concerned that your foot type may predispose you to the development of Haglund’s deformity, you can reduce your risk by:avoiding shoes with rigid, tight heels (e.g. high heels), wear padded socks with your shoes, stretch your Achilles tendon to avoid tightness and avoid running uphill or on hard surfaces.
As with any foot or heel issue, please consider making an appointment with Dr. Jay C. Larson at Sole Foot and Specialists in Glendale, Arizona. We want to make sure you’re back on your feet in no time!