Haglund’s Deformity
Description:
A Haglund’s Deformity or “Pump bump” refers to a bone spur 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.
This condition is associated with other foot/ankle conditions such as:
The pain is characterized as dull to sharp with various shoes and also in the evening after increased activities or with minor relief as it is “warmed up” during light walking and massage.
Conservative Care:
| Shoes: | A larger, softer shoe can relieve the direct pressure or pressure from adjacent toes. Make sure that the shoe has enough room at the end about the width of your thumb and that the toe box (front of the shoe) is high enough to allow your toes to move freely. |
| Padding: | There is an array of over the counter pads that can be placed behind the heel to relieve the pressure. Heel lifts can also raise the bone prominence above the irritating shoe edge. |
| Medication: | Anti-inflammatory medication (Eg. Ibuprofen, Naprosyn) aspirin products, and Acetaminophen can help with the chronic pain, but are not much help with the acute pain. |
| Injection: | An anesthetic (numbing agent) mixed with cortisone (anti-inflammatory) is placed at the point of pain to relieve the sharp pain associated with bone pressure and nerve compression. After the injection, crutches should be used to keep weight off the painful foot to avoid the risk of Achilles tendon weakening. |
| Arch support: | Temporary arch supports or custom molded orthotics will give pressure relief and is the best solution for long term treatment with or without surgical intervention. |
Surgical Options:
The Hagland’s deformity can be removed without significant disruption of the Achilles tendon. The incision is minimal (3cm – 5cm) at the outside of the heel and sutures are removed at 2 weeks. The procedure is performed in an outpatient facility under sedation and partial weight bearing is allowed after 48 to 72 hours of non weight bearing
