HAGLUND’S DEFORMITY

What Is Haglund’s Deformity?

Haglund’s deformity is a bonyenlargement on the back of the

heel that most often leads to painfulbursitis, which is an inflammation ofthe bursa (a fluid-filled sac betweenthe tendon and bone). In Haglund’sdeformity, the soft tissue near theAchilles tendon becomes irritatedwhen the bony enlargement rubsagainst shoes.

Haglund’s deformity is oftencalled “pump bump” because therigid backs of pump-style shoes cancreate pressure that aggravates theenlargement when walking. In fact,the deformity is most common inyoung women who wear pumps.

Symptoms Haglund’s deformity can occur inone or both feet. The signs andsymptoms include:• 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

What Causes Haglund’s Deformity?To some extent, heredity plays a role in Haglund’s deformity. Peoplecan inherit a type of foot structurethat makes them prone to developingthis condition.

For example, high arches can contribute to Haglund’s deformity.The Achilles tendon attaches to theback of the heel bone, and in a personwith high arches, the heel bone is tiltedbackward into the Achilles tendon.This causes the uppermost portionof the back of the heel bone to rubagainst the tendon. Eventually, due tothis constant irritation, a bony protru-sion develops and the bursa becomesinflamed. It is the inflamed bursa thatproduces the redness and swellingassociated with Haglund’s deformity.

A tight Achilles tendon can alsoplay a role in Haglund’s deformity,causing pain by compressing the tender and inflamed bursa. In contrast, a tendon that is more flexible results in less pressureagainst the painful bursa.

Another possible contributor toHaglund’s deformity is a tendency towalk on the outside of the heel. Thistendency, which produces wear onthe outer edge of the sole of the shoe,causes the heel to rotate inward,resulting in a grinding of the heelbone against the tendon. The tendon

protects itself by forming a bursa,which eventually becomes inflamedand tender.

DiagnosisAfter evaluating the patient’s symp-toms, the foot and ankle surgeon willexamine the foot. In addition, x-rayswill be ordered to help the surgeonevaluate the structure of the heel bone.

Treatment: Non-surgical ApproachesNon-surgical treatment of Haglund’sdeformity is aimed at reducing theinflammation of the bursa. Whilethese approaches can resolve thebursitis, they will not shrink thebony protrusion. Non-surgical treatment can include one or more of the following:• Medication. Anti-inflammatory

medications may help reduce thepain and inflammation. Somepatients also find that a topicalpain reliever, which is applieddirectly to the inflamed area,is beneficial.

• Ice. To reduce swelling, apply abag of ice over a thin towel to theaffected area for 20 minutes ofeach waking hour. Do not put icedirectly against the skin.

• Exercises. Stretching exerciseshelp relieve tension from theAchilles tendon. These exercises

Bonyenlargement

Bursa

are especially important for thepatient who has a tight heel cord.

• Heel lifts. Patients with high archesmay find that heel lifts placed insidethe shoe decrease the pressure onthe heel.

• Heel pads. Placing pads inside theshoe cushions the heel and mayhelp reduce irritation when walking.

• Shoe modification. Wearing shoesthat are backless or have soft backswill avoid or minimize irritation.

• Physical therapy. Inflammation issometimes reduced with certainforms of physical therapy, such as

ultrasound therapy.• Orthotic devices. These custom

arch supports are helpful becausethey control the motion in the foot,which can aggravate symptoms.

• Immobilization. In some cases,casting may be necessary toreduce symptoms.

When Is Surgery Needed?If non-surgical treatment fails to provide adequate pain relief, surgerymay be needed. The foot and anklesurgeon will determine the procedurethat is best suited to your case. It is

important to follow the surgeon’sinstructions for post-surgical care.

PreventionA recurrence of Haglund’s deformitymay be prevented by:• Wearing appropriate shoes; avoid

pumps and high-heeled shoes• Using arch supports or orthotic

devices• Performing stretching exercises

to prevent the Achilles tendonfrom tightening

• Avoiding running on hard surfacesand running uphill ▲

This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot andAnkle Surgeons, a professional society of 6,000 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors ofPodiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.

The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education,research and the promotion of the highest professional standards.

Copyright © 2006, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons • www.FootPhysicians.com