Noticing a painful bump on the back of your heel or irritation when wearing shoes? You may be dealing with Haglund’s deformity, often called “pump bump.” At our offices serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, a board-certified foot and ankle surgeon, provides expert diagnosis and personalized treatment for heel conditions like Haglund’s deformity.
This condition can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to chronic pain, inflammation, and difficulty wearing everyday footwear. Dr. Fallis offers comprehensive care—from conservative treatments like orthotics and physical therapy to minimally invasive surgical options—helping patients throughout Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati find lasting relief and return to comfortable movement.
What is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity, also known as “pump bump”, is a condition in which bony extensions are formed at the back of the heel, leading to swelling near the Achilles tendon. Due to the bony enlargement, the tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when it rubs against footwear, causing painful bursitis.
Causes of Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity may be caused by a combination of factors that include:
- The pressure exerted on the back of heels from tight or stiff-heeled footwear such as pumps or high-heel shoes
- The tightness of the Achilles tendon
- High foot arch
- Obesity
- Poor-fitting shoes
- Injury to the heels
- Genetic disposition
Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity can occur in either foot and can result in mild to severe symptoms that include:
- Pain, swelling, and a noticeable bump at the back of the heel
- Redness and irritation on the tissue near the heel
- Oedema (swelling) and inflammation in the bursa
Diagnosis of Haglund’s Deformity
Diagnosis of Haglund’s deformity can be tricky, as symptoms are somewhat similar to other foot problems. Based on your symptoms and a physical examination, the following diagnostic tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis:
- X-ray: To detect the bony extensions in the heel bone
- Ultrasound: To assess inflammation in the bursa and Achilles tendon
- MRI scan: To detect any soft tissue deformities in the heel region
Treatment for Haglund’s Deformity
Treatment for Haglund’s deformity is mainly focused on reducing the pain and pressure exerted on your heels. Conservative methods include:
- Medications: Your doctor will provide you with anti-inflammatory drugs to decrease swelling and inflammation.
- Orthotic devices: You may be recommended to wear orthotics or heel pads to reduce pressure on your heels.
- Application of ice: Ice should be applied to the area for 20 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
- Physical therapy: Your doctor may recommend soft massage for the heels and special stretching exercises to reduce pressure on the Achilles tendon.
If conservative treatment is not found to be effective, minimally invasive surgery may be recommended to remove the bony extension and smooth the area to reduce pressure on the heels.
Prevention of Haglund’s Deformity
The risk of acquiring a Haglund’s deformity can be reduced by taking the following measures:
- Wearing proper-fitting, open-back shoes
- Performing stretches to prevent tightening of the Achilles tendon
- Avoiding walking barefoot
- Avoiding running or playing on hard surfaces
Why Choose Dr. Bryan Fallis for Haglund’s Deformity Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
When heel pain interferes with your daily life, you need specialized care you can trust. Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM is dedicated to delivering advanced, patient-focused treatment for Haglund’s deformity.
Here’s why patients in Ft. Mitchell and Cincinnati choose Dr. Fallis:
- Board-Certified Expertise: Advanced training in foot and ankle surgery and heel conditions
- Accurate Diagnosis: Comprehensive evaluations with imaging to confirm Haglund’s deformity and rule out similar conditions
- Conservative-First Approach: Focus on non-surgical options such as orthotics, footwear changes, and physical therapy
- Minimally Invasive Surgical Options: Effective solutions when conservative care does not provide relief
- Personalized Care Plans: Treatment tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle, and foot structure
- Convenient Local Care: Serving patients across Northern Kentucky and Greater Cincinnati
Dr. Fallis is committed to helping you reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.
Haglund’s Deformity FAQs
What is Haglund’s deformity?
It is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can irritate surrounding soft tissue and cause pain.
What causes Haglund’s deformity?
Common causes include tight or rigid footwear, high arches, tight Achilles tendons, and genetic factors.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include a visible bump on the heel, pain, swelling, redness, and irritation—especially when wearing shoes.
Can Haglund’s deformity go away on its own?
No, but symptoms can often be managed effectively with conservative treatments.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery may be recommended if non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain and discomfort.
How can I prevent Haglund’s deformity?
Wearing properly fitting shoes, stretching regularly, and avoiding prolonged pressure on the heels can help reduce risk.
Haglund’s Deformity Treatment in Ft. Mitchell, KY & Cincinnati, OH
Don’t let heel pain limit your lifestyle or footwear choices. Get expert care from Dr. Bryan Fallis, DPM, proudly serving Ft. Mitchell, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Convenient locations in Northern Kentucky & Greater Cincinnati
Call today to schedule your consultation
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Take the first step toward relief from Haglund’s deformity—contact our office today for a personalized treatment plan designed to get you back on your feet comfortably.
