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Haglund’s Deformity: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | Brooklyn Podiatrist

Haglund’s deformity is named after Patrick Haglund who first described it in 1927, but it remains a somewhat confusing condition today. More research is needed to fully explore this mysterious foot problem. But fortunately, despite the uncertainties surrounding Haglund’s deformity, there are successful treatment options available today. If you work with the right podiatrist here in Brooklyn or the surrounding area, you can experience lasting relief.

If you think you may be suffering from Haglund’s deformity, it’s important to find a podiatrist who’s knowledgeable about this condition. At Best Foot Doctor NY, our commitment to our patients is unparalleled. If you need Haglund’s deformity surgery in Brooklyn or Queens, Best Foot Doctor NY is the best provider you can choose. In this article, we’ll explore what’s known about the causes of Haglund’s deformity. We’ll also explore the symptoms you might experience with this condition, as well as the available treatment options.

What Causes Haglund’s Deformity? The Best Brooklyn Podiatrist Answers

The causes of Haglund’s deformity are not yet fully understood by the medical community. However, three possible reasons have been suggested:

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Tightness of the Achilles tendon
  • Abnormally high arches

Other possible causes include walking habits that place too much weight on the outer foot. The condition is also associated with wearing shoes with overly stiff backs. These include women’s shoes known as pumps, and Haglund’s deformity is often referred to as a “pump bump” for this reason.

What Symptoms Does Haglund’s Deformity Cause?

Haglund’s deformity causes two primary symptoms:

  • A bump on the back of your heel
  • Heel pain

In addition, you may experience swelling and redness on and around your heel area. Haglund’s deformity often affects both feet, but it may only impact one foot.

Haglund’s Deformity Symptoms and Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms

Haglund’s deformity can be hard to diagnose. That’s partly because other podiatric problems can cause similar symptoms. Achilles tendonitis is also known to cause heel pain, and these conditions are easily confused. However, Achilles tendonitis treatment may differ from Haglund’s deformity treatment. As the best podiatrists in Brooklyn, Best Foot Doctor NY doctors will take the time to accurately diagnose your condition. 

If you’re suffering from Achilles tendon pain that stems from Achilles tendonitis and not from Haglund’s deformity, we can help. The team at Best Foot Doctor NY has performed Achilles tendon repair in Brooklyn for countless satisfied patients.

Read more in our blog: What Is Haglund’s Syndrome and Can Achilles Tendon Surgery Treat It?

How Is Haglund’s Deformity Diagnosed?

Your doctor may be able to diagnose Haglund’s deformity just by examining your foot. X-rays are often used to diagnose this condition, too. Radiology can definitively rule out other foot conditions. It also helps your doctor provide proper treatment, including orthotic inserts that are perfectly customized to your foot shape.

How Will My Brooklyn Podiatrist Treat Haglund’s Deformity?

Haglund’s deformity won’t go away on its own. If left untreated, it can become even more painful over time. However, there are a number of noninvasive treatment options that may decrease your pain. A good Brooklyn podiatrist will opt for noninvasive treatments when possible. But they should also be able to perform effective surgical treatment when it’s required.

Nonsurgical Treatment Options for Haglund’s Deformity

The Brooklyn podiatrists at Best Foot Doctor NY may try nonsurgical interventions at first. In addition to custom orthotics, we may suggest measures such as:

  • Wearing different shoes
  • Taking pain relievers
  • Using ice, massage or ultrasound treatments
  • Wearing heel pads, a boot, or a cast

However, if you don’t experience relief from these treatments, surgery may be the best way for you to experience relief.

Surgical Treatment Options for Haglund’s Deformity

The podiatrists at Best Foot Doctor NY can perform Haglund’s deformity surgery in Queens and Brooklyn to get you back on your feet. Dr. Emmanuel Fuzaylov performs over 400 surgeries a year and maintains a highly successful record.

Surgery for Haglund’s deformity involves removing the bony protrusion that’s causing pain. If you’re also experiencing Achilles tendon problems, your doctor may be able to correct them during the same procedure.

Haglund’s deformity surgery is usually outpatient, and you can expect to go home after it’s done. You will spend at least a couple of weeks wearing a cast or splint. Once it’s removed, you can start to increase the amount of weight you bear on your feet. 

Call Best Foot Doctor NY For Relief From Haglund’s Deformity Pain!

At Best Foot Doctor NY, you’ll find a team of Brooklyn podiatrists who are fully committed to helping you live pain-free. In addition to Haglund’s deformity surgery and Achilles tendon repair, we perform a wide range of podiatric services. For your convenience, we offer multiple convenient locations throughout Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan and Rosedale. To reach us, call (718) 291 9020, or schedule an exam using our online form today!

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