pump bump or Haglund's deformity can be very painfulYou're ready for a night out on the town. As you put on your favorite heels you remember that the bump on the back of your heel keeps getting larger and more painful. You settle for a pair of flat shoes that won't aggravate it.

What is that weird bump? Known as Haglund's deformity this often painful and strange protrusion is caused by wearing rigid pump-style shoes, as its common name "pump bump" implies.

Causes of Pump Bump

While any rigid style shoes can bring on and aggravate the bump, certain foot types will make it more likely for Haglund's deformity to develop.

Symptoms

In addition to the bump other symptoms are:

  • swelling in the heel
  • redness or tenderness near the inflamed area
  • moderate to severe pain

Left untreated Haglund's deformity can lead to bursitis ( a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and the bone).

Diagnosis and Treatment of Pump Bump

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Lake City, Dr. Berg will examine your feet and very likely take an X-ray to ensure a proper diagnosis and to review the structure of the heel bone.

heel lift to treat pump bumpConservative treatment of this condition is focused on getting you out of pain by relieving pressure on the heel bone and reducing the inflammation. The potential treatments most often used are:

  • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
  • Ice
  • Shoes that won't further irritate the heel bone such backless shoes or soft backed shoes
  • Heel lifts or heel pads
  • Custom orthotics
  • Ultrasound

These solutions can be a tremendous help in treating this condition, however if none of this options work, surgery can be done that removes excess bone from the heel. Once the source of the pressure is removed the soft tissue surrounding the bone will return to normal.

If your bony protrusion is causing problems, call us today at 206-368-7000 for an appointment, often same day. You can also request an appointment online.

Dr. Rion Berg
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A podiatrist in North Seattle treating families for over 40 years.
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