Haglund's deformity, also called the Mulhulland deformity, is a painful deformity of the foot. People with this condition have a bony lump at the back of their heel. Here are three things you need to know about this condition.
What are the signs of Haglund's deformity?
If you have Haglund's deformity, you'll notice a prominent bump on the back of your heel. This bump may hurt and make it hard for you to find comfortable shoes. Shoes tend to rub against the bump, which leads to redness, pain, and even blisters.
The deformity can also lead to irritation and inflammation of the bursa in the back of your heel. Bursas are fluid-filled sacs that act as a cushion for your bones and tendons. If your bursa becomes irritated because of your deformity, your heel may become sore, which can make it hard to walk, run, or even stand. The area may also become red and warm due to the inflammation.
What causes it?
Haglund's deformity can be a congenital disorder, meaning that some people are born with it. It can also be an acquired condition. Like other foot disorders, it can be caused by wearing the wrong shoes. If you wear shoes that put a lot of pressure on the back of your heel and don't allow for much ankle flexibility, like high-heeled shoes, ice skates, or ski boots, you may develop this deformity.
How do podiatrists treat it?
Podiatrists can treat Haglund's deformities with both nonsurgical and surgical means. Your podiatrist may recommend choosing different types of shoes that don't aggravate your deformity. For example, you may be told to choose cushioned, flat shoes instead of heels. You may also be told to add more padding to the backs of your shoes to make the area more comfortable. Custom-made orthotics can also be made for you, if necessary, to correct your gait and put less pressure on the deformity.
If nonsurgical treatments don't work, surgery is an option. Surgery for this condition is fairly straightforward and involves shaving down the bony growth. Your podiatrist may need to surgically detach your Achilles tendon to access the whole growth, but once the growth is removed, your tendon will be reattached.
If you have a painful bump on the back of your heel, you may have Haglund's deformity. Make an appointment with a podiatrist, like Pinker & Associates, as soon as possible to be evaluated and treated.
Share2 September 2015
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