Do you have a painful bump on the back of your heel? You may have a Haglund’s deformity, which is a bony enlargement that may form where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone.

This bump often appears in women who wear pump-style shoes and so is sometimes called “pump bump.” Shoes with rigid backs like pumps, work boots and ice skates can cause Haglund’s deformity to form. Others who may be prone to this bump are those with high arches or a tight Achilles tendon, or anyone who walks on the outside of the feet.

If you have a pump bump you know how painful it can be from inflammation and swelling, and also when blisters form from rubbing. Bursitis sometimes develops from irritation to this bony area.

Home Remedies May Relieve Pain

Try adding heel pads to shoe backs to ease pain, and apply ice after taking shoes off. Choose open-heeled shoes like clogs to reduce rubbing and friction. However, don’t wear open-heeled shoes if you have tendonitis, bunions or foot pain.

If you find that home treatment is not working because the bump continues to grow or becomes more painful, reach out for a professional podiatrist. At Your Next Step we are experts on the diagnosis and treatment of Haglund’s deformity. We will carefully examine both feet and take x-rays in our office if necessary.

Haglund’s Deformity Treatment Options

There are several ways to treat Haglund’s deformity and we will discuss the best solution for you:

• Shoe inserts like custom orthotics can change the position of your foot in the shoe to ease pressure. Over-the-counter arch supports or heel lifts can also work to redistribute pressure.
• Oral anti-inflammatory drugs and topical anti-inflammatory products applied directly to the bump can relieve pain.
• For severe inflammation, we will immobilize the foot in a soft cast or walking boot to promote healing.

If your pain does not respond to these non-invasive treatments, we will discuss surgical options that reshape the heel bone.

You can prevent Haglund’s deformity from forming by wearing shoes without backs or shoes with backs that are not rigid. If you have a high arch or tight Achilles tendon, always wear your custom-fitted orthotics and perform daily tendon stretches to prevent its development.

Make an Appointment to Relieve the Pain of Haglund’s Deformity

Dr. Eric Ricefield, Dr. Mark Yagodich and Dr. Aliza V. Eisen, board certified or qualified podiatrists, can resolve the pain from Haglund’s deformity. Call us today for an appointment at one of our convenient offices in Ardmore, Paoli or Downingtown. You’ll find our contact information on our website. Haglund’s deformity is painful – contact us to start relieving your pain.