Haglund's Deformity: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Have you ever felt a painful bump at the back of your heel while running or walking? You might be suffering from Haglund’s deformity. Do not overlook this condition. This heel issue arises from bone growth that causes discomfort, swelling and irritation of surrounding tissues. If you feel sharp pain that slows you down from regular activities, seek medical help.

Learn about causes and recognise early symptoms to explore timely treatment. Read on to discover how to treat this condition with pain-free steps.

What is Haglund's Deformity?

Haglund deformity is a condition of heel bone growth where the Achilles tendon attaches. You can see a bump of growing bone and feel irritation on growth through your skin. This deformity is commonly known as a lump bump because patients often experience excessive pain when wearing shoes with tight backs, such as high heels. For example, regularly wearing high-heeled fitting shoes with a rigid back can lead to the development of Haglund deformity.

What Causes Haglund Deformity?

Haglund deformity is primarily caused by pressure and irritation from shoes, overuse of the heel, tight Achilles tendons, high Achilles tendons, and certain disorders that affect movement and work.

Environmental Causes

Certain environmental factors can exacerbate Haglund deformity and primarily affect the structural issue. For example, wearing rigid back, high-heeled fitting shoes can increase irritation and bone development.

Autoimmune Problem

Genetic predisposition can contribute to the development of Haglund disease. Individuals with a family history of conditions affecting the feet or musculoskeletal system or foot deformities are at higher risk.  Moreover, autoimmune conditions that affect the bodily connective tissues can cause growth in the heel bones.

Dietary and Lifestyle Factors

Lifestyle preferences significantly impact the development of Haglund disease. Suppose an individual who potentially engages in regular activities and high-impact sports. It puts excessive stress on his heel and increases the risk of Haglund disease.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Haglund's Syndrome?

Syndrome can contribute to heel pain, especially while wearing tight shoes. Over time, irritation and pressure on growing bone can lead to heel bursitis and Achilles tendinitis in your feet and heel.

Haglund disease symptoms vary depending on intensity.

1. Swelling: Swelling is another symptom of Haglund disease. It appears warm and red around the heel.
2. Pain: Feels aching or sharp pain in the back of the heel while wearing shoes or walking.
3. Motion: You may experience difficulty moving your foot or flexing your ankle due to pain.
4. Bursitis: Haglund's disease leads to inflammation of the bursa, discomfort, and additional pain with skin discolouration around the bump.

In case you experience any warning signs, you must seek medical attention and consult a healthcare provider immediately.

1. Persistent severe pain that does not go away with rest but is getting worse.
2. Infectious symptoms such as increased skin discolouration, redness or drainage, or fever.
3. Swelling that gets worse over time.

What are the Risk Factors for Causing Haglund Deformity?

A certain group of people who wear narrow and tight shoes are more susceptible to developing Haglund deformity.

1. Age: Young adults and adolescents who are basically active in sports or regular exercises like walking, running, commonly suffer from Haglund deformity.
2. Gender: Due to wearing fashionable footwear such as high-heeled, tight-fitting designer shoes with rigid backs, women are more susceptible to developing Haglund disease. 
3. Underlying Conditions: Individuals with high arches, flat feet or structural foot abnormalities can suffer from a higher risk of developing Haglund disease.
4. Geographic Locations: Due to lifestyle factors, certain geographic locations have a higher risk of Haglund deformity incidence.

How to Diagnose Haglund Deformity?

Firstly, you seek doctor consultations, and they will discuss symptoms and bone growth or a bump on your heel. Doctors diagnose Haglund's disease with imaging tests and physical examinations.

Clinical Evaluation

Diagnosis of Haglund disease typically initiates with clinical evaluation. The doctor will take the medical history of the patient, including previous foot injuries, lifestyle factors and family history of foot problems. They will perform physical examinations focusing on the heel and surrounding areas to assess swelling, pain and different ranges of motion.

Laboratory Tests

Performing an X-ray can reveal the visualisation of bony prominence and represent a clear picture of heel bone alignment. Doctors prefer to conduct an ultrasound or MRI to evaluate soft tissues around the heel. This diagnostic test includes evaluation of the barsha and Achilles tendon to reveal the signs of injury or inflammation. Further, a CT scan is also used in some cases to provide a detailed view of the heel structure.

Differential Diagnosis

Doctors sometimes differentiate Haglund disease from major conditions that cause similar signs and symptoms. The differential diagnosis includes plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, retrocalcaneal bursitis, and Achilles tendonitis.

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What are the Treatment Options for Haglund Deformity?

Medical Treatment Options

Doctors start Haglund treatment with conservative measures.

1. Therapy: Physical therapies help to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the affected heel.
2. Medicine Treatment: Medications are the first choice for Haglund's treatment. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are preferable to reduce inflammation and pain.
3. Injection: Corticosteroid injections are suggested in some cases to alleviate excessive pain and severe inflammation.

Surgical Interventions

In case conservation treatment fails to improve the condition, doctors prefer surgical interventions. After surgery, patients take 6 weeks to 3 months to get back to regular activity and complete healing. 

1. Bursa Removal: Surgical repair can help to remove a damaged Achilles tendon.
2. Repair Achilles Tendon: If a patient is suffering from severe bursitis, with surgical intervention, doctors remove the inflamed bursa.
3. Bony Exostectomy: Health care providers surgically remove the bony prominence and help relieve pressure on the surrounding tissue and Achilles tendon.

Non-Pharmacological Treatments

Apart from medicines, some of the non-pharmacological approaches can help with Haglund's treatment.

1. Orthotics: Custom orthotic systems can give support and improve your foot alignment.
2. Footwear Modifications: Using heel pads or wearing comfortable shoes with a soft back can reduce pressure on your heel bone and eliminate pain.
3. Ice Treatment: Icing the bone growth bump area for 20 to 40 minutes daily can reduce the swelling and pain. In fact, you can treat the pain with soft tissue massage. 

Special Considerable Approaches

 Different age population requires tailored approaches for Haglund treatment.

1. Pain Management: For older adults, health care providers focus on cautious approaches to mobility support and pain management.
2. Conservative Management: To treat Haglund deformity in children, conservative management and observation are essential because their bones are still developing.

How to Prevent the Haglund Syndrome?

It is not possible to totally prevent this disease. But you need to maintain good ankle and foot health to manage the pain and symptoms.

1. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Avoid wearing shoes that hurt your ankles and feet or feel uncomfortable. Always prefer wearing supportive and comfortable shoes with soft soles that reduce pressure against your heels.
2. Take Rest in Pain: An activity or movement makes you feel pain, take a break and seek help. Do not pressurise yourself to continue heavy exercises through pain that can turn minor injuries into worse.
3. Keep Strong Muscles: Strengthen your muscles to support your heels and ankles and reduce the risk of further injury.
4. Properly Warm up: Before exercise, do stretching. Warming before starting physical activities reduces the likelihood of muscle, tendon or ligament injury.

Prognosis and Long-Term Solution for Haglund Deformity

With early diagnosis and timely treatment, Haglund deformity can be effectively managed, and most patients experience significant symptom relief. Conservative approaches such as footwear modification, physiotherapy, and medication often work well. However, in severe cases where surgery is required, recovery may take longer and demands careful post-operative care. Long-term outcomes largely depend on consistent follow-up, adherence to medical advice, and lifestyle adjustments to prevent recurrence.

Key aspects of long-term management include:

1. Regular physiotherapy to improve mobility and reduce stiffness
2. Proper footwear and heel support to minimise pressure
3. Ongoing medical consultations and imaging, if required
4. Adequate rest and gradual return to activity

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Final Statement

Haglund's deformity is a manageable condition. If you suspect you are experiencing persistent heel pain, seek medical help instead of panicking about the condition. With a personalised treatment plan and early diagnosis, you can treat this disease. For further financial support and protection from unexpected diseases and expenses, purchase a comprehensive health cover plan from Bajaj General Insurance.

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FAQs

How soon will I feel better after treatment of Haglund syndrome?

After managing symptoms, you can feel better, but for some days, avoid shoes or overuse to reduce pain. You can perform surgery to remove the growth of Haglund's deformity. It will take a few months and several weeks to regain your strength and heal the pain to walk like usual days.

How to manage Haglund’s deformity?

Several preventive measures are available to manage Haglund's deformity. It includes maintaining a healthy body weight, wearing doctor-suggested footwear and engaging in regular exercises and foot care.

Is surgery mandatory to treat Haglund’s deformity?

No, mostly patients find relief with conservative measures such as physical therapy and medications. But if symptoms persist in severe cases, surgical interventions are the last option to treat Haglund's deformity.

Do I have to focus on lifestyle changes to manage Haglund’s deformity?

Yes, you must avoid high-impact exercises, wear supportive footwear and choose healthy, balanced diet foods to maintain weight and manage Haglund’s deformity.

How long has this Haglund's deformity condition lasted?

If you do not perform surgical removal of Haglund's deformity growth, it can become a lifelong condition. This deformity growth will not drastically impact your health or life. However, learn how to manage symptoms such as failing or occasional pain to feel better.

Does Haglund’s syndrome resolve on its own?

No, it will not resolve without treatment. But lifestyle majors can help manage symptoms and reduce persistent pain. At the same time, in most cases, the bone lump can only be removed with surgical interventions.

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Reference List

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25134-haglunds-deformity

https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/haglunds-deformity

https://www.healthline.com/health/heel-spurs#exercises

https://www.resurgens.com/education/haglunds-deformity-retrocalcaneal-bursitis