Haglunds Deformity/Pump Bump

The heel bone, known as the calcaneus bone, is the largest and strongest bone of the foot. This bone is the site of multiple tendon and ligament attachments vital for walking and standing. Sometimes however these attachment points on the heel bone become enlarged causing discomfort and pain with walking, wearing shoes, and even laying in bed.

A Haglunds deformity aka “Pump Bump”, is an enlargement of bone to the very back of the calcaneus along the area of achilles tendon attachment.

• The cause for the haglunds deformity is not fully defined but often can be related to a few things
• Tight achilles tendon/calf muscle
• Repetitive rubbing from rigid, overly tight shoes like high heels
• Repetitive inflammation and stress at the achilles tendon insertion
• Genetic overgrowth of bone

Symptoms of haglunds deformity

• Visible bump along the posterior heel
• Pain at achilles tendon insertion into the heel bone
• Swelling along the back of ankle to the heel
• Redness along the posterior heel.
• Pain with walking and loading of the foot
• Pain with tight shoes.

Treatment for haglunds deformity is based upon size of bone, levels of pain and adjacent conditions. Often conservative care with physical therapy, medications, padding, and change/modification of shoe wear helps resolve or control the symptoms. Other options in office we offer in office are MLS therapy, shockwave therapy, redlight therapy and stem cell injection to reduce inflammation and promote healing of the tissue (see biologic treatment for more information – add link within our website).

If one is unresponsive to conservative care, surgical management is discussed. Surgery involves removal of the prominence on the heel bone and the often adjacent bone spur formation around the achilles tendon. Due to its nature and location, surgery requires a recovery similar to achilles tendon repair with casting, unloading of the foot, with gradual return to walking and extensive physical therapy.