If you have the condition known as Haglund’s Deformity, you are well aware of why its nickname is “pump bump.” At North Jersey Podiatry we treat many patients with this condition. Haglund’s Deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel. Rigid backed shoes, like women’s pumps, create friction and rub on the enlargement causing a good deal of heel pain.
The cause of Haglund’s Deformity largely has to do with the structure of your foot. People who have high arches, a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel and/or a tight Achilles tendon have a higher risk of developing pump bump. These structural tendencies are often inherited.
If our podiatrist, Dr. Paul G. Klein, suspects you may have Haglund’s Deformity, he will likely want to order an x-ray in addition to doing a complete examination of your heels and feet. The foot doctor will also want to take down your medical history. Other imaging studies may also be utilized to confirm a diagnosis and determine the extent of the defect. If you have pump bump, there are some steps you can take to increase your comfort and relieve pain.
Do: choose shoes with no backs if you have healthy feet with no other foot conditions (and the weather permits).
Don’t: wear shoes with rigid backs. In addition to pumps, this can mean work boots, certain fashion boots, and ice skates.
Do: try placing a pad inside the back of your shoe to cushion and protect the bony enlargement.
Do: ask the podiatrist for stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon if that is a contributing factor.
Don’t: run on hard surfaces or uphill.
Do: wear your orthotics if you have been prescribed them by the foot doctor. These can help reposition your foot and help correct the structural problem that is causing the deformity.
Do: ice your heel at the end of the day to relieve pain.
If despite these do’s and don’ts your heel continues to give you severe pain or you notice the enlargement is growing, our podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct Haglund’s Deformity. If you have questions about this condition, contact our Wayne, New Jersey office for an appointment by calling: (973) 595-1555.
