Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. The soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against shoes. This often leads to Bursitis, which is defined as inflammation of the fluid filled sac that lies between the tendon and bone. It is also known as ‘pump bump’. The bony enlargement coupled with hard shoes puts a lot of pressure on the back of the heel causing pain and inflammation.

Symptoms Of Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity can occur in one or both feet. It is a very painful condition with the following symptoms:

• A noticeable bump on the back of the heel

• Pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel

• Swelling in the back of the heel

• Redness near the inflamed tissue

Treatment Of Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity can be difficult to diagnose. Our Charted Physiotherapists will carry out a detailed assessment and may refer you to your GP for an X-ray to help determine the presence of the prominent heel bone or disease. Non-surgical treatment of Haglund’s Deformity can resolve the pain and inflammation. However, they will not shrink the bony protrusion.

Our highly skilled Physiotherapists will prescribe:

• Stretching exercises

• Heel lifts for patients with short calf muscles.

• Heel pads to cushion the heel.

• Orthotic devices to help control the motion of the foot

Our Expertise

Haglund’s Deformity is often called “pump bump” because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking. In fact, any shoes with a rigid back, such as ice skates, men’s dress shoes, or women’s pumps, can cause this irritation.

To some extent, foot structure (biomechanics) can make one prone to developing this condition, including: a high-arched foot, a tight Achilles tendon and a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel.

All our Chartered Physiotherapists are insured so you know you are in safe hands.