Haglund’s Deformity

What is Haglund’s Deformity?

Haglund’s deformity is the name given to an enlargement of bone on the back of the heel. When this prominence becomes irritated, the surrounding soft tissues can become inflamed. This usually occurs in tight fitting shoes with firm heel counters. With the inflammation of these tissues, including the Achilles tendon insertion, a collection of fluid can form called a “bursa.”

Causes

Irritation to the back of the foot can be caused any shoe with a firm, rigid back. This is common in footgear like high-heels (pumps), ice-skates, and men’s dress shoes. This disorder can have a genetic component. People who have high-arched feet, a tight Achilles or a tendency to walk on the outer heel will have an increased vulnerability to develop this condition.

Symptoms

• Bump on the back of the heel
• Redness and swelling on the back of the heel
• Pain at the Achilles insertion

Diagnosis

A Haglund’s deformity is fairly easy to diagnose as it is visually apparent. That being said, your foot and ankle doctor will evaluate you in detail to rule out any other causes for a bump on the back of the heel. X-rays may be ordered to assess for the size of the bump and structure of the heel bone.