How You Can Ease Haglund’s Deformity Pain

Sometimes, just the name of a place can inspire exploration—like Superstition Mountain. Just outside of Apache Junction is a golf resort to view this beautiful wilderness, but for those really looking to challenge themselves, heading onto the trails is the way to go. You might find yourself stumbling across the legends and history of the place. Hiking with Haglund’s deformity can certainly make you stumble, too—from the pain in your heels—but easy treatments can soothe the discomfort.

Haglund’s deformity is a large bump on the back of your heel bone, also known as a pump bump. It develops when the back of your foot is under frequent and uncomfortable pressure and rubbing. This can be a result of several things, including the stiff backs of shoes that you wear and prolonged tension in your Achilles tendon.

However it forms, you develop aching pain on the back of the foot. Relieving pressure and reducing irritation in the heel bone will alleviate that discomfort and manage the condition, letting you go back to enjoying things like wilderness hiking. Here are a few ways to soothe your Haglund’s deformity:

• Wear Soft-Backed Shoes – Footwear with soft backs won’t press against the hard bump and aggravate it, reducing the painful irritation.
• Pad the Heel – Put soft pads between your heels and your shoes. This will help reduce pressure on the back of the foot as well, minimizing the damaging friction there.
• Ice the Bump – Cold reduces swelling and inflammation. Ice your heel a couple times a day, particularly when it hurts.
• Try Orthotics – Orthotics can cushion the heel and correct biomechanical issues. Custom inserts may adjust your foot mechanics so they stress your heel and Achilles less.

If none of these help, our team at Advanced Foot & Ankle Specialists of Arizona may suggest anti-inflammatory medications or—for feet that aren’t improving—more invasive methods of treatment. In most cases, though, these conservative remedies make a significant difference. Let us help you ease your heel discomfort. Use our website to make an appointment with us. You can also call or fax us: call (480) 963-9000 and fax (480) 963-0375.