Haglund’s Deformity: Why Your Heel Bump Hurts in Shoes

Your favorite pair of shoes just became one of your least favorites, all because of a painful bump at the back of the heel. Haglund’s deformity is a foot problem that occurs when the bone at the back of the heel increases in size. This irritates shoes, as well as the nearby soft tissue. This results in a swollen and painful bump at the back of the heel. Though this bump is the symptom, if left untreated, it can make it hard to walk, exercise, and do simple day-to-day activities.

Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle is a place where patients come for treatment after years of heel pain and discomfort due to Haglund’s deformity. They come here because wearing a closed-back shoe makes this bump extremely painful. But why does it hurt, and how does it develop? Here are some facts about Haglund’s deformity to help you get relief.

Why the Heel Bump of Haglund’s Deformity Hurts

Haglund’s deformity forms at the point where the Achilles tendon inserts into the heel bone. Years of pressure and rubbing in this area causes extra bone growth. The extra bone forms a bump that rubs and irritates the back of shoes. It also causes the bursa and soft tissues around the heel bone to become inflamed. The combination of the bony bump and inflammation around the heel are the reasons for the soreness, swelling, and tenderness of Haglund’s deformity.

Foot Structure and the Development of Haglund’s Deformity

The types of foot structure that are prone to Haglund’s deformity are those that have a high arch. Having a high arch puts more pressure on the back of the heel. High arches put more stress on the Achilles tendon and heel bone when you walk and run. A tight calf muscle and a stiff Achilles tendon also contribute to a lot of pressure in the heel area. With Haglund’s deformity, people’s body mechanics play a vital role in the development of this painful bump at the back of the heel.

The Role of Footwear in the Worsening of Haglund’s Deformity

Certain kinds of footwear make Haglund’s deformity very bad. Shoes that have a stiff heel counter and a stiff back are very irritating to the heel bone. These kinds of shoes press against the heel every time a step is taken, leading to even more inflammation and pain. High heel shoes are also a contributor. A heel that is lifted up rubs and causes even more friction. This, when taken over a long period of time, results in the symptoms becoming very evident.

Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity

The first symptom experienced when someone has a Haglund’s deformity is pain at the back of the heel. The pain is mostly mild soreness and tenderness. These are the signs that are likely to occur after a period of standing and walking. As the condition progresses, other symptoms start to manifest. Swelling and redness appear around the heel. Most people start to feel the pain in their heel bone every time they put on certain types of shoes, while other soft shoes or open-back shoes give a little relief. With more advanced symptoms, putting on socks or even a sheet causes some form of irritation.

Diagnosis of Haglund’s Deformity

To diagnose Haglund’s deformity, a physical examination is done. During this examination, doctors look at the shape of the heel, tenderness, and range of motion. X-rays are then used to confirm whether a bump is present at the heel bone. An X-ray also helps to rule out other causes of heel pain. Advanced imaging methods may be used to check for any signs of inflammation around the Achilles tendon.

Treating Haglund’s Deformity

The treatment for Haglund’s deformity often begins with conservative treatment methods.

These methods aim at minimizing the amount of pressure exerted on the heel bone. One of the most effective conservative care for Haglund’s deformity is shoe modifications. Shoes that have a soft heel counter, cushion, and a slightly lifted heel have been found to be very effective at reducing the symptoms associated with Haglund’s deformity. Custom orthotics may also be used to help to minimize the pressure exerted on the heel bone.

Physical therapy is also another important method of treatment for Haglund’s deformity. This is because it helps to stretch the tight calf muscles and improve the flexibility of the Achilles tendon. This helps to reduce the amount of force exerted on the heel. Exercises that help to strengthen muscles can also help to support proper movement and alignment, which reduces the risk of recurrence of the condition. Anti-inflammatory treatment such as applying ice and medication can also help to provide relief of symptoms during a flare.

In cases where conservative treatment is not effective at managing the symptoms, a surgical procedure can be carried out. A surgery for Haglund’s deformity is also known as a Haglunds procedure. This involves the removal of excess bone and any treatment of tendon irritation that may be present. This surgical procedure may not be needed in most cases. The surgery also comes with a long recovery time.

Prevention of Haglund’s Deformity

The prevention of Haglund’s deformity is often done by trying as much as possible to protect the heel from rubbing or pressure. This can be achieved by ensuring that one wears the right type of shoes. Closed-back shoes or shoes that have a stiff back should be avoided. Stretching of the calves and Achilles tendon should also be done regularly. This helps to prevent the stiffening of the tendon and the muscles, which in turn puts a lot of stress on the heel. Early symptoms of Haglund’s deformity should be treated as early as possible to prevent the condition from getting worse.

Conclusion

Pain in the heel should never be ignored. You should never assume it is normal and come with activity or age. With a proper diagnosis and the right treatment, the symptoms associated with Haglund’s deformity can be managed, and one can be able to walk and wear shoes without pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Haglund’s deformity hurt more in the winter?

This is usually because of the cold weather. The cold weather makes the feet stiff, and this leads to the wearing of stiff shoes and tighter muscles around the heel, which can result in the heel bump being even more painful and inflamed.

Why does my heel hurt more when I wear work boots or dress shoes?

Rigid heel counters and back portions of shoes have been found to increase friction between the shoes and the bony enlargement at the heel. This usually results in even more inflammation and pain.

Can Haglund’s deformity go away by itself?

No. The bony enlargement present at the back of the heel does not disappear by itself. The symptoms may, however, be relieved by using the right kind of shoes, orthotics, and some other relevant treatment methods.

Should I see a foot doctor for a painful heel bump?

Yes. A foot doctor should be consulted. A foot doctor will help to provide a proper diagnosis and prevent any unnecessary progression or tendon involvement.

What kind of treatment do podiatrists recommend for Haglund’s deformity in Idaho?

Most of the treatment is carried out by using the conservative care method. The conservative care method includes shoe modifications, custom orthotics, and the use of physical therapy. 

Advanced treatments are also used when the condition cannot be resolved using the conservative care method. The advanced treatment methods can be gotten at Treasure Valley Foot & Ankle.