Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s Deformity 

Haglund’s deformity is caused by an abnormality, an enlargement of the bone and tissues on the back of your heel where the Achilles tendon is located. The enlargement can cause your heel to rub against your shoes, leading to irritation of the tissue and the development of other possibly painful conditions.

Rachel Miller is a highly experienced podiatrist who treats many patients for Haglund’s deformity. Please see below if you want more detailed explanation of Haglund’s deformity, its symptoms, causes and treatment.

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Haglund’s Deformity

Symptoms of Haglund’s deformity

Symptoms can include:

• pain
• swelling
• redness
• your joint may be stiff
• calluses can form where the shoe is rubbing against your shoe

Haglund’s deformity can lead to bursitis, an inflammation of the small sacs (bursa), which are found in the Achille’s tendon and heel, as well as in other parts of your body.

The condition can be found in both feet.

Causes of Hugland’s deformity

Hagland’s deformity can be caused by repeated activities such as:

• running
• gardening
• sitting or standing the wrong way at work or at home
• by an increase in weight
• injury
• some medications can aggravate the condition

When the heel becomes inflamed, calcium can build up in the heel bone enlarging the growth and increasing the pain.  The condition can develop in anyone but is most common in women and especially those who wear stiff, closed-heel shoes, pump style high heels.  Haglund’s deformity is sometimes referred to as “pump pump”.

Risk factors include:

• The condition can be hereditary, with feet of a certain structure being susceptible to develop the deformity.
• Those with a high arch are more prone to the condition.
• Having a tight Achilles tendon makes you more susceptible.
• With feet that supinate, roll outward when walking.
• Those already with a prominent heel bone.

Treatment of Haglund’s deformity

If you do suffer from heel pain and it persists, you should see an experienced podiatrist who can diagnose your condition.  You might benefit from a specialist biomechanical assessment.

Treatment depends on how Haglund’s deformity might of developed and might include:

• rest
• footwear advice
• heel pads
• ice packs
• self-help advice
• padded socks
• tailored exercises and stretching regimes
• anti-inflammatory medication
• orthotic insoles

A bespoke orthotic insole can be prescribed as part of your treatment plan.  An orthotic can help support and cushion the foot and may reduce pain on impact when walking and running.

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