You throw on your favorite shoes, take a few steps, and there it is again: that nagging pain from a bump on the back of your heel. It rubs, it aches, and it’s starting to make your go-to footwear feel like the enemy. Sound familiar?
You could be dealing with Haglund’s deformity, a bony enlargement on the back of the heel, often caused by pressure from stiff or tight shoes. It’s so common in specific footwear that it’s earned the nickname “pump bump.”
In this post, we’ll break down what Haglund’s deformity is, what causes it, and how to spot the symptoms. We’ll also walk through both non-surgical and surgical treatment options so that you can take steps (literally) toward lasting relief.
What Is Haglund’s Deformity and Why Does It Happen?
Understanding the “Pump Bump”
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement that forms at the back of the heel, right where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). While that may sound technical, most people recognize it by its more casual nickname, the “pump bump.”
Why the name? Because this condition often shows up in people who regularly wear stiff-backed shoes like pumps, dress shoes, or cleats.
The constant rubbing and pressure from tight footwear irritates the tissue around the heel, triggering the body to build extra bone as a protective response. The result: a painful bump on the back of the heel that only gets worse the more you wear the same types of shoes.
Other Common Causes and Symptoms
While tight or stiff shoes are one of the most well-known triggers for Haglund’s deformity, they’re not the only cause. Certain foot types and movement patterns can also increase your risk.
For example, if you have high arches, your heel experiences more pressure with every step, which can lead to irritation and inflammation over time. Similarly, improper foot alignment can alter how your heel strikes the ground, leading to uneven stress on the back of your foot.
People who are constantly on the move, especially runners or athletes, may develop this condition from repetitive use, even if their shoes seem comfortable.
As for symptoms, they tend to show up gradually and worsen over time. Watch for:
- Redness and swelling near the Achilles tendon
- Heel pain when walking, especially in closed-back shoes
- Stiffness or tenderness at the back of the foot
- A visible bump on the back of your heel
Left untreated, Haglund’s deformity can become increasingly painful and limit your ability to wear shoes comfortably or even enjoy daily activities.
When to Consider Treatment for Haglund’s Deformity — Before It Becomes Surgical
If that bump on the back of your heel isn’t responding to rest, ice, or switching up your footwear, it may be time to explore professional treatment, and no, that doesn’t mean surgery right away.
Many people with a “pump bump” benefit from intermediate care options like:
- Custom orthotics to reduce pressure on the heel
- Heel lifts to ease strain from tight Achilles tendons
- Anti-inflammatory injections to calm swelling
- Footwear recommendations designed to avoid further irritation
These treatments can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and prevent the condition from progressing. In more advanced cases, when symptoms persist or the bony growth significantly affects mobility. Haglund’s deformity surgery may be recommended to remove the excess bone and treat the irritated tissue.
But surgery is rarely the first step. If you’re dealing with heel pain or wondering what Haglund’s deformity is and how to manage it, early care makes all the difference. Schedule an appointment with Foot and Ankle Group to explore non-surgical treatment and take pressure off your heels — literally.
Don’t Ignore That Heel Pain — Get the Right Care
That small bump on the back of your heel might seem like no big deal at first, just a minor irritation from your shoes, right? But if Haglund’s deformity causes it, that discomfort can turn into chronic pain, swelling, and even long-term mobility issues if left untreated.
The good news? Early treatment for Haglund’s deformity often helps avoid more invasive options like surgery.
Schedule a visit with Foot and Ankle Group today to get a professional evaluation and personalized Haglund’s deformity treatment plan that helps you move forward — pain-free.