Dealing with “Pump Bump”

With autumn comes cooler weather, turning leaves, apple pie and many other pleasures. However, for some patients, we at NY Foot Health know that fall also means switching from open backed shoes to pumps for workdays and this can be a painful issue for those with Haglund’s Deformity or “pump bump.”

Characteristic of this condition is a bony protrusion at the back of the heel. It is most often the result of biomechanical factors such as high arches, a tendency to walk on the outside of your feet or a tight Achilles tendon.

Besides the obvious bump on the back of the heel, other signs of Haglund’s Deformity include:

• Swelling at the back of the heel

• Redness around the bump

• Pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel

• Blisters and sores on the heel caused by footwear rubbing on the bump

Getting Relief

A visit to your podiatrist is necessary so that the foot doctor can examine your heel and determine the severity of the condition. (Don’t have a podiatrist? We can help you find one through our online directory.) The podiatrist will determine the best treatment plan for you. One or more of the following options may be prescribed:

• Medication—topical and/or oral anti-inflammatory medications can reduce pain and inflammation.

• Immobilization—a soft cast or walking boot may be prescribed to allow the heel to heel.

• Shoe changes—depending on the cause and specific biomechanics of your foot, the foot doctor may recommend heel lifts, arch supports, heel pads or a custom orthotic device to change the position of your feet and relieve pressure on the heel.

If none of the above methods provides sufficient relief, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to correct the deformity and surgically re-shape the heel bone.

To learn more about foot and toe deformities and how to treat them, contact us.