Any form of abnormal foot condition can be a cause for concern, and it is important that you understand what causes foot problems so you can help yourself prevent them. Haglund’s deformity can be painful and uncomfortable and may be described as intense heel pain.
What Is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is the name of the bony lump on the back of the heel that develops when the heels are rubbed too much. It is sometimes called a pump bump because of the likelihood of it occurring in people who often wear heels. This bony bump can cause blisters, corns, or calluses on the heel where it is located, especially if shoes are not roomy enough to fit comfortably.
People with high arches, tight Achilles tendons, or the tendency to walk on the outside of their feet may be more at risk for developing this foot condition.
How Can I Treat Haglund’s Deformity at Home?
Heel pads can be placed on the backs of shoes to help relieve the pressure of Haglund’s deformity. Icing the area after removing your shoes may ease some of the pain and discomfort. Choosing open-heeled shoes can also help with the pressure that shoes put on heels with Haglund’s deformity. If you have other foot conditions like bunions, calluses, or plantar fasciitis, choose footwear that will not aggravate those conditions either.
There are a couple of other ways that you can treat this condition at home.
- Over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen can help relieve inflammation and swelling.
- Exercises. Your podiatrist can give you some exercises that are specifically designed to help relieve the pain and pressure of Haglund’s deformity.
How Will I Know If I Should See A Podiatrist?
If the bony protrusion does not resolve on its own or continues to grow, it may be time to see a foot doctor. It may be hard to self-diagnose Haglund’s deformity, as it can be mistaken for Achilles tendonitis or other heel conditions that cause pain. Your podiatrist will be able to identify the root cause of your heel pain and give you tips on how to relieve the pain and pressure. If your pain does not respond to home remedies or over-the-counter treatments, surgery is sometimes required to treat this condition and provide relief.
What Kind of Surgery Is Required for Haglund’s Deformity?
If your podiatrist recommends surgery, you can expect to have part of the heel bone removed to reshape the area. Most podiatrists will only recommend this surgery if you have been in pain from this condition for six months or more.
Read more in our blog: What Is Haglund’s Syndrome and Can Achilles Tendon Surgery Treat It?
How to Find A Foot Doctor for Haglund’s Deformity in New York City (NYC)
Our Best Foot Doctor offices specialize in Haglund’s deformity and can counsel you on how to use the best over-the-counter methods of treating the condition. If your condition has been bothering you for more than six months, we may recommend surgery to correct the bony protrusion. Our Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens offices are currently accepting new patients. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment.