Are you having trouble wearing shoes because of bony bump on the back of the heel? Do you have a sore spot on the back of you heel? This is because you have Haglund’s deformity or “pump bump”. The name “pump bump” arrived from pump style shoes that created pressure in back of the heel and caused pain while walking.
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on back of the heel commonly caused by tight Achilles tendon, wearing heels, or having a high arched foot. Achilles tendon, also called the calcaneal tendon, inserts into back of the heel bone (calcaneus). A small sac of fluid called “bursae” cushions the Achilles tendon at the heel. This bursae becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against shoes leading to bursitis (inflammation of bursae).
Usually the first symptom is enlargement of bony prominence on back of the heel where your Achilles tendon attaches. It is followed by pain due to irritation especially while wearing tight shoes. Eventually the bony bump becomes red, swollen and later inflamed.
Now that we have found the diagnosis, how do we treat Haglund’s deformity? Start off by
making an appointment with local foot and ankle surgeon. The doctor will start by carefully examining your feet. Next X-Rays are ordered to evaluate the bony deformity. If needed, MRI or ultrasound might be ordered as well. Haglund’s deformity can be treated conservatively through physical therapy, orthotics, anti-inflammatory medications, stretching exercises and several other modalities. When all options fail, surgery is recommended.
So, do not delay treatment if above symptoms arise. To get an expert opinion make an appointment with one of our foot and ankle surgeon by calling 732-297- 9535.
