Haglund's Deformity

What is Haglund’s deformity?

Haglund’s deformity is a structural abnormality of your foot bone and surrounding soft tissues. It causes a bony bump to form near your Achilles tendon, triggering pain, swelling, and general discomfort. 

As the bump grows bigger, it irritates the soft tissue at the back of your heel. Over time, this causes bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between your tendon and bone. Haglund’s deformity affects people of all ages, but it’s especially common in those who wear stiff or closed-heel shoes. 

What causes Haglund’s deformity?

It’s thought that Haglund’s deformity occurs as a result of frequent, ongoing pressure at the back of your heels. Podiatrists believe it’s triggered by wearing shoes that are too tight or that have a stiff heel. It’s especially common in women who wear pump-style heels, hence its nickname: the “pump bump.” 

You’re also more likely to develop Haglund’s deformity if you have a tight Achilles tendon or an abnormally high foot arch. 

What are the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity?

The most common symptoms associated with Haglund’s deformity, include:

• A bony bump near the back of your heel
• Severe pain in your Achilles tendon
• Redness
• Inflammation

You might also experience swelling in your bursa, the fluid-filled sac toward the back of your heel. 

How is Haglund’s deformity diagnosed?

To diagnose Haglund’s deformity, your Precision Podiatry provider physically examines your foot and ankle and asks you about the symptoms you’re experiencing. If your doctor is unable to diagnose your condition through observation, they might also order a series of X-rays to get a closer look at your heel bone and the underlying structures in your foot.

How is Haglund’s deformity treated?

Treatment for Haglund’s deformity depends on the severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, the team at Precision Podiatry uses conservative, noninvasive methods of care, including:

• Rest, ice, and over-the-counter painkillers
• Soft-tissue massage
• Heel pads
• Custom orthotics
• Ultrasound treatment

If your body doesn’t respond to these measures, surgical intervention may be necessary. During surgery for Haglund’s deformity, your Precision Podiatry provider removes the excess bone from your heel, reducing pressure on your bursa and surrounding soft tissues.

To learn more about treatment for Haglund’s deformity, make an appointment at Precision Podiatry today by calling the office nearest you.