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Spring Clinic

2616 FM 2920 RD STE N
SPRING, TX 77388-3590

Back of Heel Bump / Haglund’s Deformity

What is Haglund’s Deformity?

Sometimes called a “Pump Bump,” Haglund’s Deformity refers to a bone prominence in the back of the heel bone that rubs on the inside of the shoe. This bump is usually located to the outer, upper side of the heel. These bony enlargements on the back of the heel most often leads to painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone).

The pain is characterized as dull to sharp depending on the types of shoes worn, and can also flare up in the evening after increased activities.

How We Treat Back of Heel Pain and Haglund’s Deformity

Patients who have heel spurs may find that they negatively impact their everyday life by adding unnecessary pain when walking or wearing certain shoes.

Although we highly recommend lifestyle readjustments and conservative healing methods, sometimes surgical intervention is the best method to treat heel spurs.

Conservative Haglund's Deformity Treatment Options

Patients may opt for conservative methods or lifestyle adjustments to treat their heel spurs, including the following solutions:

Wear Different Shoes

Wearing the wrong shoes can increase the pain and discomfort associated with heel spurs, especially if the shoes are too small or tight. One conservative treatment practice is to wear larger, softer, and more supportive shoes.

Take Medication

In order to relieve some of the pain and discomfort that heel spurs can cause, patients can take anti-inflammatory medication for a short-term solution.

Add Padding

Patients who opt for conservative treatment rather than surgical treatment may choose to add padding to the posterior heel area to relieve pressure from the Haglund’s Deformity.

Surgical Treatment for Back of Heel Pain and Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity can be removed without significant disruption of the Achilles tendon. The surgical incision for this treatment is minimal (2 to 3 centimeters) and happens at the outside of the heel.

Patients undergoing heel spur surgery are put under sedation at an outpatient facility, and the sutures are removed after two weeks. Partial weight bearing is allowed after 2 to 3 weeks of non-weight bearing. Full weight bearing with shoes at 4 to 6 weeks.

Haglund's Deformity Surgery Testimonial

Back of the Heel Spur / Haglund's Deformity Cosmetic Surgery

This was a surgery performed on the back of the heel most commonly associated with a “bump” that causes pain with rubbing on the back of shoes and boots.

This “Haglund’s” deformity is also quite common with women and high heels, hence it’s other nick name the “pump bump”.

FAQs

What is the treatment for Haglund's Deformity?

Conservative treatment for Haglund’s Deformity includes wearing looser or backless shoes, the addition of padding, treating the area with ice, and taking anti-inflammatory medication.

Surgical removal of Haglund’s Deformity or “Pump Bump” is an out-patient procedure — considered minor if the Achilles tendon attachment is not involved, and with significantly more risk if the tendon is involved.

Can Haglund's Deformity be cured without surgery?

There is no real cure for Haglund’s Deformity without surgery. The symptoms can be reduced or subside completely with conservative care and lifestyle adjustments, however, the prominent heel bone, or bump on the back of the heel, does not shrink or go away without surgery.

Is Haglund's Deformity serious?

Haglund’s Deformity is not considered a serious condition. It is simply a prominent area of bone on the posterior calcaneus that can rub on shoes and become irritated or painful over time.

How long is recovery from Haglund's Deformity surgery?

Recovery from Haglund’s Deformity depends on the type of surgery. Removing just the prominent bone takes two to three weeks to heal before the patient can return to wearing soft or backless shoes, and four to six weeks before being able to wear more restrictive shoes.

Should I have surgery for Haglund's Deformity?

Deciding whether or not to opt for Haglund’s Deformity surgery is a patient’s personal preference. The prominent bone is not particularly harmful, nor are there long term problems without surgery. Those who choose surgery most commonly suffer from constant pain in dress or work shoes, and a negatively impacted lifestyle because of the prominent bone.

Is Haglund's Deformity a bone spur?

Haglund’s Deformity is not a bone spur. A true Haglund’s Deformity is a prominent posterior, superior, lateral portion of the calcaneus (back, upper, outside part of the heel bone) associated with a slight varus (inverted) angle.

Can Haglund’s Deformity come back after surgery?

If enough bone is removed in the correct place, the Haglund’s Deformity or prominent bone will not come back after surgery.

What happens after Haglund's Deformity surgery?

After Haglund’s Deformity surgery patients should only minimally bear weight (or not at all) in a surgical boot until the sutures are removed in two weeks. Restrictive shoes or dress shoes can be worn after three to four weeks, but it does depend on each patient’s healing capacity and sensitivity.

Is Haglund's Deformity common?

Haglund’s Deformity is very common and not dangerous or associated with long-term problems. It is a prominent area of bone at the back of the heel (calcaneus bone) due to both the position and inverted angle.

From Our Google Reviews

“Dr. Moore and the staff at MFAS were absolutely wonderful. Initially, Dr. Moore worked with me providing non-invasive treatments as my goal was to avoid surgery. Ultimately, I had to have surgery. I had several challenges with my insurance and getting approval for my surgery. The staff worked diligently to work out kinks. The surgery went well. The in-house physical therapy team was also wonderful. I recommend Dr. Moore and MFAS, highly!”

-Rose

Moore Foot and Ankle Specialists can help you decide which path to take in order to alleviate your troublesome heel spur condition, whether that’s lifestyle adjustments or surgical intervention. Contact us today to book a consultation!

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