collapseRelieve Heel Pain with Expert Podiatric Care
A painful bump at the back of the heel — often called a “pump bump” — can make walking, wearing shoes, or even resting uncomfortable. At Feet for Life Centers, our podiatrists diagnose the exact cause of your heel pain and offer proven non-surgical and surgical solutions to restore comfort and mobility.
About Haglund’s Deformity
What Is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). When shoes rub against this area, it can inflame the nearby bursa and Achilles tendon, leading to redness, swelling, and tenderness.
Common signs include:
- A firm bump at the back of the heel
- Pain when wearing shoes with stiff backs
- Swelling or redness just above the heel counter
Why Haglund’s Deformity Develops
Certain foot shapes and walking patterns make Haglund’s deformity more likely—especially high arches, tight calf muscles, or a tendency to walk on the outer heel. Shoes with rigid backs (like pumps or dress shoes) often worsen the irritation.
Diagnosis
Your visit begins with a focused exam of the heel, Achilles tendon, and surrounding tissues. X-rays help evaluate bone shape, while MRI imaging is used when the Achilles tendon may be involved. This allows our doctors to tailor treatment to your exact anatomy and lifestyle.
Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Most patients improve with conservative care aimed at reducing irritation and relieving pressure—though these treatments won’t remove the bony bump itself.
- Switching to shoes with softer or open backs
- Heel pads, gel sleeves, or heel lifts to reduce friction
- Stretching for tight calves and Achilles tendons
- Ice therapy and short courses of anti-inflammatory medication
- Custom orthotics to correct heel motion
- Targeted physical therapy to calm inflammation
For persistent pain, shockwave therapy (ESWT) may be recommended—a non-invasive option available on-site through our Advanced Pain Solutions.
Surgical Care
When pain persists despite comprehensive conservative care, surgery can correct the bone shape and repair any tendon damage. Procedures may include:
- Removing the bony prominence (calcaneoplasty)
- Repairing or re-attaching the Achilles tendon
- In select cases, performing a tendon transfer for chronic degeneration
All procedures are performed in our on-site surgical suite, typically as outpatient care, with individualized recovery plans.
Recovery After Surgery
Post-surgical recovery varies based on the procedure. Most patients use a protective boot for several weeks and begin physical therapy to restore motion and strength. Gradual return to normal activities is guided by your surgeon.
Related Conditions We Treat
- Achilles Tendonitis – inflammation or degeneration where the tendon attaches to the heel
- Heel Pain & Plantar Fasciitis – pain under or behind the heel often mistaken for Haglund’s
- Bursitis – swelling of the soft tissue cushioning the heel
Learn more about heel pain solutions at Feet for Life Centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Feet for Life
- Over a decade of experience treating complex heel pain
- On-site imaging, ESWT shockwave therapy, and surgical suite
- Board-certified podiatrists focused on minimally invasive, effective care
- Convenient locations in St. Louis (University City/Clayton) and Chesterfield
Get relief today — call 314-207-7280 or request an appointment online.
Conservative care reduces inflammation and pain but doesn’t change bone shape. Surgery is the only way to remove the bony bump.
Not always. Haglund’s affects bone and surrounding tissue; Achilles tendonitis involves the tendon itself. Many patients have both.
Choose soft-back or backless shoes that don’t rub against the bump. Avoid rigid heel counters until symptoms improve.
Mild cases improve within weeks of non-surgical care; surgical recovery generally takes several months, depending on the procedure.
Schedule Your Appointment
For several decades, Dr. Michael Horwitz and the team at Feet for Life Centers have been recognized as leaders in advanced care for heel pain. Call us today 314-207-7280 and receive world-class care.
