Haglund’s Deformity or, as it is more commonly known, “pump bump” is a bony extrusion on the back of the heel that can cause pain when footwear rubs against it. Pumps, and other rigid-backed shoes, such as work boots, dress shoes, and ice skates irritate the “bump,” causing swelling and inflammation of the area. In some cases, bursitis (an inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa sac between the tendon and the bone) can also develop because of the deformity.

Causes

Women are more prone to Haglund’s Deformity than men, primarily because they tend to more often wear the types of shoes that aggravate the protruding bone. Heredity also plays a role, in that the defects in foot structure that make a person more prone to Haglund’s Deformity can be passed on. These include: a high-arched foot, tight Achilles tendon and the tendency to walk on the outside of the heel.

Treatment

At Lansdowne Podiatry our podiatrist, Dr. Monique Renee Rolle, will ask questions about your symptoms and take a medical history. She will then examine your foot and order x-rays to further evaluate the heel bone structure. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, there are several treatment options for Haglund’s Deformity including:

• Ice and medication: To relieve pain and reduce inflammation, the foot doctor may recommend that you ice the area and also take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen.
• Shoe modifications: Choosing shoes with soft backs or even no backs will take away the pressure on the bump.
• Padding and orthotics: Depending on the structural foot issue that is aggravating the Haglund’s Deformity, various inserts for your shoes may help reduce pressure on the back of the heel. Padding can be placed to cushion the sore spot. Other orthotics can be used to help compensate for a flat arch or one that is too high.
• Physical therapy and exercises: Therapy and exercises can help both to relieve symptoms and reduce future pain and inflammation. Stretching can help loosen a tight Achilles tendon, which is one of the conditions that causes Haglund’s deformity.

The correct treatment is dependent on a diagnosis that correctly identifies the cause of the deformity and factors that are making it worse. If you are having trouble and suspect “pump bump,” make an appointment at our Leesburg office and get on the path to pain relief today.