Hagland’s Deformity
What is Hagland’s Deformity (Bump Pump)?
Haglund’s deformity is a relatively common condition affecting young women primarily but can affect older men and women as well. It is often a hereditary problem that can be aggravated by shoes. A bony enlargement on the back of the heel causes the severe pain characteristic of the deformity. In addition, shoe irritation can lead to the formation of a bursitis, in which case the area becomes quite red and inflamed. Often times, excessive pronation or excessive movement while walking causes the heel to rub against the back of the shoe. This prolonged irritation causes the formation of an enlarged bump and overlying skin irritation. Sometimes, the bump can be caused by a bone spur growing within the Achilles Tendon. This is more problematic than Haglund’s Deformity due to a more extensive surgery to repair the bone spur problem.
Dr. Michaels Says:
“This is a bump on the back of the heel which can become painful and rub holes in the rear foot counter of the inside of your shoes. There are surgeries that can remove this but they often lead to pain and have very long recoveries. Rather, we have a great success in getting people better with natural treatments such as compression gel pads for the back of the heel or custom orthotics with a lift on the heel to decease the pressure of the pull of the Achilles tendon. This heel lift also re-positions the bump on the back of the heel to take off the pressure. Using this natural approach most people can keep going with out having surgery.”
Hagland’s Deformity Care & Treatment Options
Conservative care includes the wearing of soft cushion on the back of the heel, heel lifts, orthotics or shoe gear changes. A local injection of cortisone will help relieve a painful bursitis but only if the injection is distal to the insertion of the Achilles Tendon. Injecting a sclerosing solution can take away the pain permanently but this may require 6-10 shots. This works very well at removing the pain permanently but doesn’t remove the bone bump. A solution of 40% ethyl alcohol works well for this condition. What works well is a ¼ inch heel lift to take off the pressure in this area and these are available at our offices. Custom orthotics and night splints can help as can our over the counter foot inserts. A roll-on pain-relieving gel can be beneficial without any liver or kidney side effects and is natural, safe and effective in reducing pain. Most people get better without surgery and it is rarely necessary.
Surgery is usually performed at the hospital or surgery center. Because the bump is in the way of the Achilles tendon, the tendon may have to be partially removed form the heel bone. After the bump is gone the tendon will be reattached to the bone with a screw or anchor. If your tendon needs to be reattached then this will require walking in a walking boot and crutches for 8-12 weeks. If the tendon doesn’t have to be removed then immediate walking in a cam walker for 4-6 weeks is allowed.
