Haglund Deformity: Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Haglund deformity or pump bump is a condition characterized by pain and swelling in a bursa located between the skin and the Achilles tendon.

Before reading on it would be good to first understand the anatomy of the foot (skip this if you already done so).

This bursa is a adventitious bursa which means that it is not present since birth but develops following continuous friction over the tissues. Source of friction is commonly the shoe heel counter.

This condition is more common in young women.

Causes include

• friction from the shoe heel counter
• wearing tight fitting shoes
• gout
• rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms include

• pain and swelling over the back of the heel
• pain increases on wearing tight shoes with hard heel counter
• skin over the site of pain may become thick and pigmented

Diagnosis is by clinical history and examination.

Treatment includes

• change of foot wear
• anti-inflammatory medication
• use of ice
• steroid injection exactly in the bursa
• surgery is done when all the above methods have failed

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients are cured by non-operative methods, so the chances of surgery are very slim.

Can the condition recur?

Yes it can. To prevent it's recurrence slightly loose and soft shoes should be used.

I hope the information provided was helpful. If you have any query you can ask me at the contact me page.

This page was last updated on 23th June 2009.

Other causes of foot pain...

Hallux Rigidus

Mallet Toe

Hammer Toe

Bunionette

Flat Foot

Bunion

Heel Pain

Sesamoid Fracture

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Talus Fracture

Calcaneus Fracture

Go back from Haglund Deformity to Foot Pain