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Haglund's Deformity Specialist

Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists Our Services Haglund's Deformity

Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists

Podiatrists located in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Edison, Woodbridge, Springfield & Linden, NJ

If you frequently wear high heels, pumps, or other shoes with a rigid enclosed back, you could develop Haglund’s deformity. This condition can cause severe inflammation or extra bone growth in the bony part of your heel, which can make it very painful to wear shoes and walk. The Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists team offers the latest advanced Haglund’s deformity treatment at convenient locations in Plainfield, Scotch Plains, Springfield, and Linden, New Jersey. Book your appointment through the online scheduling tool or call the nearest office today.

Haglund's Deformity Q & A

What is Haglund’s deformity?

Haglund’s deformity is also called the “pump bump” because this enlargement or inflammation at the back of your heel is often related to wearing rigid shoes that apply pressure to the bony part of your heel. Because women are most likely to wear the type of shoes associated with this condition (high heels or pumps), they’re by far the most common Haglund’s deformity sufferers.

Although wearing rigid-backed shoes is the main cause, some other factors can contribute, including a naturally high foot arch, unusually tight Achilles tendon, and improper walking mechanics. 

Untreated Haglund's deformity can trigger other foot problems like bursitis, which is inflammation in the bursae sacs that separate tendon and bone. In the most severe cases of Haglund's deformity, you could develop heel bone calcification that makes it hard to walk normally. 

What are the symptoms of Haglund's deformity?

The main symptoms of Haglund's deformity include:

  • Enlarged back-of-heel area
  • Redness and/or swelling on the back of your heel
  • The bony bump on the back of your heel
  • Tenderness or pain on the back of your heel

The symptoms are often quite similar to those associated with arthritis, Achilles tendonitis, and other foot and ankle problems. It's important to see the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists team as soon as possible so you can get a diagnosis and treatment. The podiatry care team can use physical exams and X-rays or other types of imaging to verify your condition.

How is Haglund’s deformity treated?

The primary focus is pressure relief, and this is often accomplished with noninvasive treatments. If you have mild-to-moderate Haglund's deformity symptoms, the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists team may recommend the following treatments.

  • Footwear changes, like wearing open-back shoes
  • Oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
  • Custom orthotics
  • Heel padding
  • Ice packs (20-40 minutes daily) 
  • Immobilization, like bracing or casting
  • Anti-inflammatory injections
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Ultrasound treatments

If the conservative measures above aren't helpful, you could need surgery to remove the bony protrusion, smooth the bone, or repair a damaged Achilles tendon. 

There’s no reason to live with a miserable bump on your heel. Call the Garden State Foot & Ankle Specialists office nearest you or book your appointment online today. 

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