What Is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity—sometimes referred to as “pump bump”—is a bony enlargement that forms on the back of the heel, near where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. This protrusion can become irritated and inflamed when it rubs against footwear, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness in the heel.
- Common in people who wear rigid-backed shoes or high heels
- Causes heel pain, especially when walking or wearing shoes
- May be associated with Achilles tendinitis or bursitis
- Can affect one or both feet
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we treat Haglund’s deformity using both conservative and surgical options to relieve pain and restore mobility for patients in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.
What Causes Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is often caused by a combination of biomechanical and external factors that create repeated friction or pressure at the back of the heel.
Contributing factors include:
- Wearing shoes with rigid backs (e.g., pumps, dress shoes, boots)
- A tight Achilles tendon that pulls on the heel bone
- High foot arches or poor foot mechanics
- Running or walking on hard surfaces
- Genetic predisposition to heel bone shape
This condition may develop gradually over time and often flares with changes in activity level or footwear.
What Are the Symptoms?
The primary symptom of Haglund’s deformity is pain at the back of the heel, especially when wearing shoes that press against the area. Other symptoms can include:
- Noticeable bump or swelling on the heel
- Redness or tenderness near the Achilles tendon
- Stiffness in the heel when getting up in the morning
- Blisters or calluses around the affected area
- Pain that worsens with walking, running, or wearing shoes
As the deformity progresses, it can lead to bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone) or contribute to Achilles tendon irritation. Early evaluation is important to avoid worsening symptoms.
Who Is at Risk for Haglund’s Deformity?
While anyone can develop Haglund’s deformity, certain individuals are more prone based on foot structure, activity level, and shoe choices.
Risk factors include:
- Women who frequently wear high heels
- Athletes, especially runners and soccer players
- People with high arches (pes cavus)
- Individuals with tight calf muscles or Achilles tendons
- Those with a family history of foot deformities
Knowing your risk allows you to take proactive steps—like stretching, footwear adjustments, and early podiatric care—to prevent discomfort and limit deformity progression.
How Is Haglund’s Deformity Diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically begins with a physical exam. Our podiatrists will check for a visible bump, evaluate the location of pain, and assess your foot mechanics.
Diagnostic tools may include:
- X-rays to confirm bone prominence
- MRI or ultrasound to evaluate soft tissue inflammation
- Gait analysis to identify contributing biomechanical issues
By pinpointing both the bony enlargement and surrounding soft tissue involvement, we can tailor the treatment plan to your condition.
When Should You See a Doctor?
You should consult a podiatrist if you experience:
- Persistent heel pain when walking or wearing shoes
- A visible bump or swelling on the back of your heel
- Pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication or rest
- Recurring blisters, irritation, or shoe-fitting problems
Without treatment, Haglund’s deformity can lead to chronic inflammation, changes in gait, and even tendon damage. The earlier you seek care, the more treatment options you’ll have available.
How Is Haglund’s Deformity Treated?
At Best Foot Doctor NY, we start with non-surgical treatment to relieve pressure, reduce inflammation, and support proper foot alignment.
Conservative treatment options:
- Heel lifts or cushioned shoe inserts to reduce pressure on the heel
- Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon
- Icing and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain
- Wearing soft-backed or open-heel footwear
- Custom orthotics to improve foot alignment and prevent recurrence
- Padding and protective sleeves to cushion the heel
Many patients experience significant improvement with these strategies, especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments like activity modification and regular stretching.
Surgical treatment:
If conservative care fails or the bony enlargement becomes severe, surgery may be recommended to remove the bone growth and relieve soft tissue irritation. This procedure may involve:
- Excision of the bony prominence
- Debridement of the inflamed bursa tissue
- Repair or reinforcement of the Achilles tendon (if involved)
Surgery is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and recovery includes rest, gradual weight-bearing, and physical therapy to restore full function.
Can Haglund’s Deformity Be Prevented?
While not all cases can be avoided, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Wear shoes with soft or open backs to prevent rubbing
- Stretch your calves and Achilles tendons regularly
- Use heel lifts or orthotics to offload pressure
- Avoid high heels or overly tight shoes
- Replace worn shoes that no longer offer proper support
Our podiatrists can offer personalized footwear advice and custom inserts to help you maintain comfort and prevent recurrence.
Expert Care for Haglund’s Deformity in NYC
Don’t let heel pain limit your lifestyle. At Best Foot Doctor NY, we provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options to help you walk comfortably again.
📍 Proudly serving Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan with trusted podiatric care.
✅ Conservative and surgical options
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👉 Schedule your consultation today and explore treatment for Haglund’s deformity tailored to your needs.