Haglund’s Deformity, also known as “pump bump,” is a bony enlargement on the back of your heel bone (calcaneus) where your Achilles tendon attaches.
Here’s a breakdown:
- What it is: Essentially, it’s an abnormal bony growth that develops on the upper part of the heel bone.
- Why it happens:
- Shoe pressure: Tight-fitting shoes, especially those with rigid backs (like pumps), can constantly rub against the back of your heel, irritating the area and contributing to the growth.
- Achilles tendon issues: A tight Achilles tendon can also put extra stress on the heel bone.
- Foot structure: People with high arches or certain foot abnormalities may be more prone to developing Haglund’s Deformity.
- Symptoms:
- Pain: The primary symptom is pain in the back of the heel, often aggravated by wearing shoes.
- Bony bump: You can usually feel and sometimes see a noticeable bump on the back of your heel.
- Swelling: Inflammation may occur around the bony growth.
- Treatment:
- Conservative:
- Shoe modifications: Wearing shoes with softer backs, using heel pads, or getting custom orthotics can help.
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to the affected area can reduce inflammation.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Stretches and exercises to improve Achilles tendon flexibility.
- Surgical: In severe cases where conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary to remove the bony growth and address any underlying issues.
- Conservative: