Is Your Pump Bump Becoming Unbearable

Not surprisingly at this time of the year with all the extra time on your feet—walking the mall, waiting on lines, cooking, socializing at parties—what are normally minor foot annoyances can become major, debilitating problems. If you suffer from  Haglund’s deformity, or, as it’s more commonly known “pump bump,” you may find yourself in quite a bit of pain.

Causes of Haglund’s Deformity

Haglund’s deformity is a bony outgrowth on the back of the heel, right about where the back of a pump would rub—hence the name “pump bump.” When shoes rub against the protrusion the soft tissue becomes irritated, causing bursitis (a painful condition that occurs when the bursa—a fluid filled sac between the Achilles tendon and the bone—becomes inflamed).

Faulty foot structures (which can be inherited) make some people more likely than others to develop Haglund’s deformity. These include: a tight Achilles tendon, the tendency to walk on the outside of your heel, and a high arch in your foot.

Haglund’s deformity is more common in women and the types of shoes they wear tend to aggravate the condition. However, men’s dress shoes, ice skates, and any shoes that have a stiff, high back can bring on Haglund’s deformity and certainly cause it to be more pronounced and painful.

Treatment

At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Larry Hotchkiss, will use x-rays along with a complete examination of your foot to reach the diagnosis of Haglund’s deformity. There are several conservative treatment options, including:

• Orthotics: Heel lifts, heel pads, and arch supports may be used to help correct the mechanical foot problem that is causing Haglund’s deformity
• Physical Therapy: If a tight Achilles tendon is behind your pump bump, the foot doctor may prescribe exercises that will stretch the tendon; other modalities may reduce pain and inflammation
• Medication: Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen may be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation
• Surgery: In severe cases where the patient does not get relief from more conservative methods, the foot doctor may recommend surgery

Don’t suffer unnecessarily. If you are experiencing the painful symptoms of Haglund’s deformity, make an appointment at either our Waldorf or Clinton office before it sidelines you for the holidays.