Haglund’s deformity is when a bony protrusion on the back of the heel, combined with specific shoe choices, results in the development of bursitis at the back of the heel. This painful condition is made worse by shoes with a rigid back, such as women’s dress shoes. Because of the tendency for women’s dress shoes to be blamed for the development of this painful condition, it is often referred to as a pump bump. However, any type of rigid shoes can cause irritation. Ice skates and men’s dress shoes are other common culprits of the pump bump.
The inflammation of the bursae is caused by the rigid back of the shoe rubbing on the bony protrusion at the back of the heel. This bony protrusion is thought to be somewhat hereditary, as certain foot types are more prone to developing a Haglund's deformity. Feet with high arches or a tight Achilles tendon are much more likely to also have Haglund's deformity. People who walk on the outside of their heel are also more likely to have or develop Haglund's deformity or pump bump. The deformity can happen in both feet or just one.
Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity
The symptoms of Haglund's deformity include a significant bump on the back of the heel, swelling near or including the bump, pain in the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, and redness in the general area.
A doctor’s examination is required to diagnose a Haglund's deformity, as other conditions can also cause similar symptoms. Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a board-certified podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 year’s experience treating Haglund's deformity and other disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Kleis will examine your feet, conduct a thorough examination and patient medical history, and correctly diagnose Haglund's deformity or identify another cause for your pain and discomfort. X-rays may be necessary to evaluate the bone formation and confirm the suspicion that Haglund's deformity is to blame for your pain and discomfort.
If you have symptoms of Haglund's deformity, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Haglund’s Bump
Haglund’s deformity is also often referred to as a Haglund's bump. A Haglund's bump forms when bony protrusion on the back of a person’s heel rubs against rigid shoe material, irritating the bursae and causing painful bursitis. This inflamed bursae forms a noticeable bump on the back of the heel and makes wearing shoes even more painful.
The bursa is a fluid-filled sac the cushions between tendons and bones. When the bursae become irritated, it swells and becomes inflamed and quite painful. The rigid material of men and women’s dress shoes, on a person who has bony protrusions on their heel, irritate the bursae and cause a Haglund's bump to develop.
Haglund’s Heel
Certain foot types are more likely to have bone protrusions on the heel, though the individual may not be aware that they have the condition until they develop a bump from their shoes rubbing against it. If a person with a Haglund's heel makes proper shoe choices, a Haglund's bump can be avoided. But, many times those individuals are unaware of their condition until the Haglund's heel has made itself known through pain and discomfort.
For people who suffer from Haglund's heel or bony protrusions on the back of their heels, the discomfort is caused when the rigid material of their shoes irritate the bursae, causing a painful inflammation called bursitis. Bursitis causes a noticeable bump to appear on the back of the heel and results in pain when wearing shoes that continue to put pressure on the Haglund's heel.
What Causes Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is thought to be at least partially hereditary. People who develop this condition often have a specific foot type that includes a high arch and tight Achilles tendon. People who walk on the outside of their heel are also more likely to develop a Haglund's deformity.
The bump that is called Haglund's deformity is caused by the bony protrusions on the heel interacting with stiff shoe material to irritate the bursae and cause bursitis in the heel. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac the cushions between tendons and bones. When the bursae become irritated, it swells and becomes inflamed and quite painful. The rigid material of men and women’s dress shoes, on a person who has bony protrusions on their heel, irritate the bursae and cause a Haglund's bump to develop.
Haglund’s Syndrome
According to the National Institutes of Health, Haglund's syndrome is common but still misunderstood. The condition is a combination of abnormal bone formation and soft tissue irritation on the back of the foot. The soft tissue, or bursae, at the back of the foot, becomes irritated by the bony protrusions the form on some individual’s heel bones. A tight Achilles tendon and high arch are known to play a role in developing Haglund's syndrome, and middle-age has been noted as a factor.
Haglund’s syndrome causes a large, painful lump on the back of the heel as the irritated tissues become inflamed. This condition is known by many names including Hagland's deformity, Mulholland deformity, and pump bump.
With proper treatment, surgery can often be avoided for Haglund's syndrome. For an evaluation of your Haglund's deformity symptoms and a course of action that can help you avoid surgical intervention, contact Dr. Kleis’s office today and schedule a consultation.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a board-certified podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 year’s experience treating Haglund's deformity and other disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Kleis will examine your feet, conduct a thorough examination and patient medical history, and correctly diagnose Haglund's deformity or identify another cause for your pain and discomfort. X-rays may be necessary to evaluate the bone formation and confirm the suspicion that Haglund's deformity is to blame for your pain and discomfort.
If you have a painful, swollen heel and suspect Haglund's deformity, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Haglund’s Deformity Treatment
Treatment for Haglund's deformity is primarily aimed at reducing symptoms and treating the pain of the condition. This requires addressing the inflammation of the bursae. While non-surgical treatments can relieve the pain and other symptoms of the Haglund's deformity, they do not address the structural causes. If a person with Haglund's continues to wear shoes that exacerbate their condition, they will continue to experience pain and discomfort.
Non-surgical treatments for Haglund's deformity may include any combination of the following:
- Medication – Oral anti-inflammatory medications can address the pain and swelling of the Haglund's deformity. Medications such as ibuprofen may be recommended to assist with pain.
- Ice – Icing the inflamed area can help with the immediate inflammation and pain. Apply an ice pack to the inflamed area for 20 minutes and wait 40 minutes before repeating.
- Exercises – Stretching exercises, especially those that stretch the Achilles tendon, can help relieve the pain and reduce the pressure placed on the heel when wearing shoes.
- Orthotic Inserts – Heel lifts or pads can help reduce the pressure on heels and can help reduce the irritation. Custom arch supports can help reduce the movement of the foot in the shoe and reduce heel irritation.
- Shoe Modification – Choosing shoes with no back or with a soft back will help avoid irritating the bursae or reduce the irritation.
- Physical Therapy - Some types of physical therapy treatment, such as ultrasound therapy, can help reduce pain and swelling of Haglund's deformity.
- Immobilization – Sometimes it is necessary to cast the foot, to ensure that the inflamed heel has time and opportunity to heal.
With proper treatment, surgery can often be avoided. For an evaluation of your Haglund's deformity symptoms and a course of action that can help you avoid surgical intervention, contact Dr. Kleis’s office today and schedule a consultation.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a board-certified podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 year’s experience treating Haglund's deformity and other disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Kleis will examine your feet, conduct a thorough examination and patient medical history, and correctly diagnose Haglund's deformity or identify another cause for your pain and discomfort. X-rays may be necessary to evaluate the bone formation and confirm the suspicion that Haglund's deformity is to blame for your pain and discomfort.
If you have a painful, swollen heel and suspect Haglund's deformity, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.
Haglund’s Deformity Surgery
Occasionally, surgery is required to address the bony structure of the heel and avoid recurrences of the symptoms of Haglund's deformity. Only a doctor can determine whether you require surgery for Haglund's deformity. For an evaluation of your Haglund's deformity symptoms and a course of action that can help you avoid surgical intervention, contact Dr. Kleis’s office today and schedule a consultation.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a board-certified podiatrist in Costa Mesa with more than 25 year’s experience treating Haglund's deformity and other disorders of the foot and ankle. Dr. Kleis will examine your feet, conduct a thorough examination and patient medical history, and correctly diagnose Haglund's deformity or identify another cause for your pain and discomfort. X-rays may be necessary to evaluate the bone formation and confirm the suspicion that Haglund's deformity is to blame for your pain and discomfort.
If you have a painful, swollen heel, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 or book an appointment online.