Haglund's Disorder (Bony Bump back of heel)

Haglund’s deformity is an abnormality of the bone and soft tissues in the back of the heel of the foot. It is commonly known as a "pump bump". The deformity presents as a painful enlargement of the back of the heel bone (called the calcaneus) that becomes irritated by shoe gear and exasperated when walking. An enlargement of the back part of the heel bone (where the Achilles tendon is inserted) triggers this condition. The soft tissue near the back of the heel can become irritated when the large, bony lump rubs against rigid shoes. Some possible causes may include a tight Achilles tendon, a high arch of the foot, and heredity have been suggested as causes. Middle age is the most common age of affection, females are more affected than males, and the occurrence is often both heels. A clinical feature of this condition is pain in the back of the heel, which is more after rest. Clinical evaluation and x-rays of the ankle are mostly enough to make a diagnosis of Haglund’s syndrome. Haglund’s syndrome is often treated conservatively by altering the heel height in shoe wear, orthotics, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Surgical excision of the bony bump (called an exostoses) of the heel bone (calcaneus) is only required in resistant cases. Haglund's deformity commonly develops from wearing shoes with rigid backs, such as pumps, men's dress shoes, and ice or roller skates, which put pressure on the back of the heel. This pressure can cause a bony bump to form on the heel bone. This bump digs into the surrounding soft tissue, causing irritation and pain.

Footsupplystore.com recommends cushion padding such as U-shaped foam pads, Metatarsal cushion pads to lift the heel, Massaging Heel cushions by Scott Foot Care, Heel lifts by Scott Foot Care, Achilles Heel Protector sleeve and pre-molded orthotics by Ortho-Dynamics may help to alleviate symptoms associated with Haglund's deformity.