04 Aug Running with Haglund’s Deformity

Running with Haglund’s Deformity

In this week’s blog post Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic in Missoula discusses Running with Haglund’s Deformity.

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back part of the heel bone, or calcaneus. Typically a portion of the Achilles tendon attaches to this portion of the heel. Activities such as running may lead to irritation and pain of the bony prominence and adjacent structures. The rubbing of the Achilles tendon against Haglund’s deformity on one side and the shoe on the other may produce a painful bursitis or inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa located between the calcaneus bone and the tendon. Haglund’s deformity is nick-named ‘pump bump’ deformity due to the high correlation of development within the female population who wear the pump-style dress shoe.

Causes:
– High heeled shoes which create pressure, aggravating the Achilles tendon at its attachment
– High arched feet
– Rearfoot varus (inward tilting of the heel bone)
– Tight Achilles tendon

Symptoms:
– Noticeable bump on the outside (lateral) portion of the heel
– Pain on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches
– Swelling and/or redness in the back of the calcaneus

Treatments:
– Rest and ice
– NSAID’s such Ibuprofen, Motrin or Aleve
– Running shoe modifications with arch supports, heel pads
– Orthotics to accommodate for a high-arched foot
– Stretching exercises to reduce tension and pull of the Achilles tendon on the bone
– Physical therapy/ultrasound to alleviate the inflammation
– Laser therapy
– Avoiding high-heeled shoes, including cowboy boots
– Avoiding shoes with a rigid back which can cause inflammation and pain
– Surgery

If Haglund’s symptoms are reducing your potential, Contact Alpine Foot & Ankle Clinic in Missoula to see how we can help you!