Haglund’s Deformity, not to be confused with Achilles tendon problems, is a boney prominence over the back of the heel bone. It is also known as pump bump deformity where discomfort is mainly noted over the back of the heel bone from rubbing with the heel counter of a shoe.
Haglund Deformity – boney prominence over back of the heel on a 15 year old girl.
Redness and blistering may occur in this area from shoe irritation. This may occur in one or both feet. Patients who have excessive motion or instability during gait are more likely to develop symptoms due to increase shearing forces between the heel and the shoe.
Bursa – represents soft tissue formation secondary to chronic irritation from Haglund’s Deformity.
Haglund’s deformity is a congenital condition and not all Haglund’s are symptomatic. Occasionally, a bursa, which is a benign soft tissue mass can form underneath the skin and over the boney prominence as a result of chronic irritation from shoes.
Conservative Treatment
Not all Haglund’s deformities need to be treated — only ones that are symptomatic require medical attention. A doctor who specializes in treatment of foot and ankle will examine the foot and may recommend one or more of the following:
- Modify your shoes or recommend certain types of shoes.
- Padding to cushion the area.
- Over the counter or custom orthotics to control any excessive motion of the foot seen in gait.
- X-rays and/or ultrasound to evaluate the area.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is recommended if a patient fails conservative options. A surgical consultation appointment will be made so the doctor will discuss the procedure(s) in detail, expectations, and post-operative management. Typically, surgery involves removal of the boney prominence. In some cases, the Achilles tendon may need to be temporarily detached in order to remove the entire Haglund’s Deformity. Following bone removal, the Achilles tendon will be reattached to the heel bone using a bone anchor.
If conservative treatment fails to relieve pain, surgical removal of Haglund’s Deformity may be necessary.
Contact our office if you would like to see our foot specialist regarding treatment for Haglund’s Deformity.