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This condition is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that can aggravate the retrocalcaneal bursa, a fluid-filled sac located on the back of the heel between the Achilles tendon and the calcaneus. The bursa can become inflamed and swollen, a condition called bursitis. Haglund's deformity most commonly affects young women.
Haglund's deformity commonly develops as a result of wearing shoes with rigid backs, such as pumps, which put pressure on the back of the heel.
Over time, this pressure can cause a bony bump to form on the calcaneus, and this bump digs into the surrounding soft tissue. The irritated bursa swells, and other tissues, including the Achilles tendon, may swell and thicken.
People who have certain anatomical structures, such as a prominent bump underneath the Achilles tendon, high arches, a tight Achilles tendon, or other factors have an increased susceptibility to this condition.
Symptoms include pain and a callus at the back of the heel. If bursitis develops, a large, swollen bump may form on the back of the heel.
Treatment options include wearing shoes with no backs or soft backs, heel pads or other orthotic devices, heel sleeves, ice, anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. In some cases, a cast or boot may be needed. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to remove the bony bump or alter the shape of the calcaneus.
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This condition is a break in the heel bone, called the calcaneus, which forms the back of the foot. This bone supports the foot and is important for normal walking.
Fractures of the heel bone most commonly occur from severe trauma to the foot, often from a motor vehicle accident or a fall. Small fractures can also occur in athletes who are required to place stress on the foot for long periods of time, such as long-distance runners. Some calcaneus fractures can be associated with other injuries to the bones of the thigh, leg, or even the spine.
Symptoms of a heel bone fracture can include pain and swelling in the back of the foot or on the bottom of the heel, inability to walk, and bruising. A severe fracture may break through the skin.
Treatment options include use of a cast, splint or brace, anti-inflammatory medication, cold compress, and therapy after the removal of a splint. In cases where the bones of the foot have moved out of alignment, surgery may be required.
© 2008 Swarm Interactive, Inc.
Heel pain is most commonly caused by repetitive stress. With that being said, it may be more common for athletes who perform repetitive movements to be afflicted with heel pain at some point during their activity. Heel pain can occur due to a number of different factors. These may include issues with having poor circulation, complications due to arthritis and diabetes, and poor form when running or exercising, as well as having poor posture.
There are a number of conditions that may also influence pain felt in the heel region. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is one example of a condition that affects the heel. This may occur when the nerve in the back of the foot becomes pinched, thus causing a numbing or tingling feeling as if the heel has pins and needles in them. Heel bursitis is another condition that commonly brings discomfort to the heel. This condition may arise when inflammation occurs at the back of the heel, often occurring due to landing awkwardly or wearing footwear that puts a good amount of pressure on the heel. As a result, the Achilles tendon may swell, causing the pain to increase throughout the day. Simple exercises focused on strengthening the heel and surrounding areas, as well as focused on building the flexibility of the foot, may help to prevent and treat heel pain.
For a proper diagnosis and advised professional treatment plan, we recommend that you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible to avoid developing a serious condition.
