Haglund's Deformity

If you regularly wear stiff, closed-heeled shoes, you’re also more likely to develop Haglund’s Deformity, a common but painful condition. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the highly skilled podiatrists offer various treatments for Haglund’s deformity, including custom orthotics, extracorporeal shockwave (EPAT) therapy, and soft tissue massage. Call the nearest office to receive treatment for Haglund’s deformity today, or book online.

What is Haglund’s deformity?

Haglund’s deformity refers to enlargement at the back of your heel, near your Achilles tendon. It occurs when the back of your foot repetitively rubs against the heels of your shoes. Over time, that pressure causes a fluid-filled sac to form between your Achilles tendon and heel bone. Routine activities like walking irritate the sac, making it larger and more painful.

What are the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity?

Symptoms of Haglund’s deformity include:

• A hard bump at the back of the heel
• Severe pain near your Achilles tendon
• A swollen, fluid-filled sac at the back of your heel
• Redness
• Tenderness

As the sac grows, you might also have difficulty standing up for extended periods or walking.

Who is at risk of Haglund’s deformity?

Haglund’s deformity affects people from all backgrounds, but it’s most common in women who wear pump-style high heels. As a result, it’s been nicknamed the “pump bump.” Other factors that increase the risk of Haglund’s deformity include structural abnormalities, such as high arches or a tight Achilles tendon.

How is Haglund’s deformity diagnosed?

To diagnose Haglund’s deformity, your Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including where the pain occurs and if it’s worse when wearing certain types of shoes. Next, your provider completes an exam, checking your heel and Achilles tendon for bruising, redness, or swelling.

Your provider also orders diagnostic imaging, including X-rays of your heel bone. X-rays can confirm if you have a prominent heel bone associated with the disease. They can even help guide treatment.

How is Haglund’s deformity treated?

At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, the podiatrists use conservative and nonsurgical treatments to relieve pain caused by Haglund’s deformity. They might recommend:

• Wearing open-backed shoes, like clogs or slippers
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication
• Icing the bump several times a day
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (EPAT) 
• Soft tissue massage
• Custom orthotics
• Heel pads
• Immobilization with a boot or a cast

If these treatments don’t provide lasting relief, surgery might be necessary. During surgery, your podiatrist uses special tools to remove the excess bone from your heel, taking pressure off your bursa and Achilles tendon.

Call the nearest Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists office today to receive treatment for Haglund’s deformity, or book online.