The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 2: Diseases and Disorders of the Feet
Section I: Skeletal and Muscular Structure of the Feet
2-7
2-7. HAGLUND'S DEFORMITY
In Haglund's deformity, pain occurs at the back of the heel. This foot problem is sometimes referred to as bursitis of the heel or "pump bump." A bursa (sac or pouch of fluid located at friction points, especially about the joints) develops over the posterior superior lateral calcaneus between the tendon and the skin. In other words, an abnormal clump of tissue forms at the back of the heel just over the bone. This condition is in two types of feet: feet with very high arches and feet with very low arches. The direct cause of the bump or deformity is a shoe rubbing up and down on the back of the heel. The foot area, consequently, is continually irritated and may develop not only a bump but an inflamed, fluid-filled bursal sac.
a. Signs/Symptoms of Haglund's Deformity. Included are the following:
(1) A small red, slightly hardened area of tissue that is tender. The area is located at the posterior superior aspect of the heel.
(2) A painful red lump that has developed over the tendon when the inflamed bursa gets bigger. There should be no pain until the bump becomes inflamed.
(3) Swelling which extends on both sides of the tendon.
b. Treatment of Haglun's Deformity. Treat as follows:
(1) Apply warm heat (a wet face towel, for example) to ease pain. Do this several times a day.
(2) Be careful when you buy shoes. Heel pads can be placed in a shoe to lift the individual's heel up higher in the shoe. Shoes that have soft edges are more comfortable. A shoe with a hard edge will very often be very uncomfortable.
