Ouch-  I have a bump on my Heel!

A Haglund's Deformity is a bump on the back of the heel in the area  where the Achilles tendon inserts on the  heel.  It can be red, swollen, irritated, and painful.  This region of the heel has two important structures: a bursa or fluid filled sack is present behind the heel bone and next to that is the location where the Achilles tendon attaches on to the heel bone or calcaneus. The bursa is present to reduce pressure in this area of the heel.   Excess friction or pressure caused by  a tight Achilles tendon, rigid shoe backs, ice skates,  or a high arched foot can contribute to this condition.  This is also a common condition in serious runners.

The diagnosis for this condition is often made clinically and with the help of conventional x-rays.  On occasion, MRI may be needed to check the integrity of the Achilles tendon in this area.  Tears at the insertion of the Achilles tendon  on the heel bone can also cause this type of discomfort.

There are many conservative treatments for this condition:  icing, stretchng, anti-inflammatory medications, lifts in the back of the shoe to decrease , pads or cushions to reduce friction (moleskin), physical therapy, orthotic devices to control abnormal motion, and different shoegear.  More complicated cases may require immobilization in a walking boot, or surgical intervention is indicated if all other treatments have failed.