Haglunds deformity (aka the Mulhulland Deformity) is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel that most often leads to painful bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac between the tendon and bone). In Haglunds deformity, the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when the bony enlargement rubs against shoes. Haglunds deformity is often called a pump bump because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can create pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking. In fact, the deformity is most common in young women who wear pumps.

Symptoms

Haglunds deformity can occur in one or both feet. The signs and symptoms include:

1) A noticeable bump on the back of heel.
2) Pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel.
3) Swelling in the back of the heel.
4) Redness near the inflamed tissue.

Causes

To some extent, heredity plays a role in Haglunds deformity. People can inherit a type of foot structure that makes them prone to developing this condition.

For example, high arches can contribute to Haglunds deformity. The Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone, and in a person with high arches, the heel bone is tilted backward into the Achilles tendon. This causes the uppermost portion of the back of the heel bone to rub against the tendon. Eventually, due to this constant irritation, a bony protrusion develops and the bursa becomes inflamed. It is the inflamed bursa that produces the redness and swelling associated with Haglund’s deformity.

A tight Achilles tendon can also play a role in Haglunds deformity, causing pain by compressing the tender and inflamed bursa. In contrast, a tendon that is more flexible results in less pressure against the painful bursa.

Another possible contributor to Haglunds deformity is a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel. This tendency, which produces wear on the outer edge of the sole of the shoe, causes the heel to rotate inward, resulting in a grinding of the heel bone against the tendon. The tendon protects itself by forming a bursa, which eventually becomes inflamed and tender.

Western Medicine Treatment

Non-surgical treatment of Haglunds deformity is aimed at reducing the inflammation of the bursa. While these approaches can resolve the bursitis, they will not shrink the bony protrusion. Non-surgical treatment can include one or more of the following:

Medication. Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce the pain and inflammation. Some patients also find that a topical pain reliever, which is applied directly to the inflamed area, is beneficial.

Ice. To reduce swelling, apply a bag of ice over a thin towel to the affected area for 20 minutes of each waking hour. Do not put ice directly against the skin.

Exercises. Stretching exercises help relieve tension from the Achilles tendon. These exercises are especially important for the patient who has a tight heel cord.

Heel lifts. Patients with high arches may find that heel lifts placed inside the shoe decrease the pressure on the heel.

Heel pads. Placing pads inside the shoe cushions the heel and may help reduce irritation when walking.

Shoe modification. Wearing shoes that are backless or have soft backs will avoid or minimize irritation.

Physical therapy. Inflammation is sometimes reduced with certain forms of physical therapy, such as ultrasound therapy.

Orthotic devices. These custom arch supports are helpful because they control the motion in the foot, which can aggravate symptoms.

Immobilization. In some cases, casting may be necessary to reduce symptoms.

If non-surgical treatment fails to provide adequate pain relief, surgery may be needed. The foot and ankle surgeon will determine the procedure that is best suited to your case. It is important to follow the surgeon’s instructions for post-surgical care.

Adopted from wikipedia.org