Haglund’s Deformity Melbourne
What is Haglund’s deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is a bony lump that forms on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). Sometimes referred to as ‘pump bump’ it is caused by traction of the Achilles tendon on the heel bone leading to bony activity and enlargement. The heel bump can often be painful, especially if footwear rubs against it causing soft tissue swelling and bursitis.
What is bursitis?
Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a fluid filled sac that the body develops to protect a bony prominence from friction or rubbing. Repeated rubbing of a bursal sac will lead to inflammation of the fluid within the sac, causing redness, swelling and pain. Bursitis is a common symptom of Haglund’s deformity due to rubbing of overlying footwear against the bump on the heel.
Do you suffer from Haglund’s deformity or pump bump?
Signs & symptoms of Haglund’s deformity
The following signs or symptoms can indicate Haglund’s deformity:
- An enlarged bony bump on the back of your heel
- Pain at the insertion of the Achilles tendon in the back of your heel.
- Swelling or a fluid filled sac (bursa) at the back of the heel.
- Redness, inflammation and pain (bursitis) over the bump at the back of the heel.
- Symptoms are often worse with rigid footwear or anything that rubs over the bump.
Causes of Haglund’s deformity
Haglund’s deformity is caused by traction of the Achilles tendon where it inserts into the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). This causes extra bony activity, leading to an enlarged bony bump on the back of the heel bone. If there is friction or rubbing over the bump then it can cause a bursa and bursitis.
Haglund’s deformity symptoms are often exacerbated by the following:
- Tight calf muscles and high arched feet.
- Poor foot mechanics leading to excess movement of the heel.
- Poorly fitting footwear.
- Footwear with a hard rigid heel counter.
Haglund’s deformity diagnosis
Haglund’s deformity is usually easily diagnosed clinically by our Melbourne podiatrists, who are experts in identifying heel pain conditions of the foot. In some chronic cases referral for an x-ray may be sort to view the underlying bone structure.
Podiatry treatment for Haglund’s deformity
Treatment for Haglund’s deformity by our Melbourne podiatrists is initially aimed at reducing symptoms. This is achieved by reducing Achilles strain and associated bursitis. Once symptoms have settled our podiatrists will then identify and treat any factors that may be causing or exacerbating symptoms.
A gait analysis can often be helpful in identifying any biomechanical factors, such as Achilles strain and heel movement, that may be exacerbating symptoms. This often leads to a more effective and complete Haglund’s deformity treatment strategy.
Podiatry treatment options include:
- Rest and Ice
- NSAID medication
- Laser therapy to reduce inflammation
- Heel lifts
- Stretching exercises
- Orthotics
- Footwear advice
In most cases Haglund’s deformity can be successfully managed with proper podiatry treatment. Surgery is often only required in extreme cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment.
Do you need treatment for Haglund’s deformity?
At our Melbourne foot clinic our podiatrists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of heel pain conditions affecting the foot, including Haglund’s deformity or pump bump.
So if you are suffering from a painful bump on the back of your heel or you think you may have Haglund’s deformity book an appointment with one of our friendly podiatrists today!