Do’s and Don’ts for Dealing with Haglund’s Deformity

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If you’ve had Haglund’s deformity in the past you are not likely to soon forget it. You may, however, know this disorder by a more popular name: “Pump Bump.” At Texas Foot Specialists we want to help patients avoid the heel pain and discomfort that occurs when the bony enlargement at the back of the heel becomes inflamed. Below are some suggestions to help.

Do: schedule a visit at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600) or Houston (713-664-6677) office if you are experiencing pain on the back of your heel so that our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum can determine the source of Haglund’s deformity.

Here are several potential causes of Haglunds deformity:

  • A tendency to walk on the outside of the heel

  • A tight Achilles tendon

  • High arches

Many times, these defective foot structures are inherited. Knowing what’s aggravating the bony enlargement will dictate the treatment

Don’t: delay in seeking treatment for Haglund’s deformity. Left untreated, the pain will only get worse and in addition to the irritation from the friction of footwear, bursitis can also develop. This occurs as the fluid-filled sac that is between the tendon and bone, known as the bursa, gets inflamed.

Don’t: wear shoes with stiff backs that irritate Haglund’s deformity. Although pumps are famous for this, men’s dress shoes, ice skates and any rigid backed shoes can cause inflammation.

Do: choose styles that are backless or those made from very soft and flexible material to avoid irritation.

Do: try stretching exercises to keep the Achilles tendon from tightening.

Don’t: run on hard surfaces or do a significant amount of running uphill.

Do: wear orthotic devices consistently if the podiatrist prescribes them. These will help control the motion of the foot.

Do: try heel pads to put a cushioning barrier between your foot and your shoes. Heel lifts can help compensate for a high arch and provide pain relief.

Do: reduce pain and inflammation by icing the inflamed area and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as directed by the foot doctor.

If you have additional questions about this condition or wish to be evaluated, contact us.