Haglund’s deformity is a condition that can be most simply described as a bony lump on the back of your heel. Because the protrusion often develops from wearing stiff, closed heel shoes, the condition is also commonly referred to as a “pump bump.” Our Rockville MD podiatrist provides ways to detect if you have Haglund’s deformity and how to best treat it.
How Does the Bump Develop? Our Rockville MD Podiatrist Answers
Haglund’s deformity is triggered by an enlargement in the bony area of the heel. This is also where the Achilles tendon is located. When the enlarged bone rubs against rigid shoes, the soft tissue becomes irritated and inflamed. When the heel becomes inflamed a buildup of calcium can also occur, making the condition more painful.
Wearing stiff shoes, like women’s pumps, can cause your irritation to begin, our podiatrist in Rockville says that natural features of your foot may also contribute. If your Achilles tendon is tight, if you have a high foot arch, or if you place excess pressure on the outside of your heel when you walk, you are more susceptible to this condition.
Our Rockville MD Podiatrist Lists Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity
The most tell-tale symptom of Haglund’s deformity is the bony bump that will develop on the back of your heel. You may also experience pain near your Achilles tendon, swelling or inflammation in the back of your heel, or redness in the area.
However, because heel and foot conditions tend to have similar symptoms, our 5-star Rockville podiatrist recommends consulting your podiatrist for a proper diagnosis. An x-ray will help to clarify whether Haglund’s deformity is the root of the issue.
Treating Haglund’s Deformity
Conservative approaches to treating Haglund’s deformity focus on removing pressure from your heel bone. By taking this pressure off the heel your pain will be reduced. Wearing open backed shoes can help to alleviate that strain. The following treatment options are also helpful:
- Take anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
- Ice the bump to reduce swelling
- Soft tissue massage
- Wear orthotics & heel pads
- Wear an immobilizing cast or boot
In severe cases, after conservative efforts have been exhausted, our podiatrist in Rockville MD says surgery is a good option, but the last one.
If you would like to discuss Haglund’s deformity with our Rockville podiatrist, call our The Podiatry Center to schedule a consultation.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other topics related to podiatry, feel free to contact The Podiatry Center, with a convenient podiatry office location near Rockville MD, by clicking here or by calling 301.656.6055.
