Do You Have Haglund’s Deformity?

What is Haglund’s Deformity ?

It is a bony enlargement at the back of your heel. It occurs when the soft tissue near the end of the Achilles tendon becomes irritated from rubbing against your shoes.

 

What are its causes?

 Wearing shoes with a rigid back such as skates or high heels can cause this deformity to occur. If you have any of the following three foot structures, you are most likely prone to this condition:

  1. A tight Achilles tendon

  2. A high-arched foot

  3. A tendency to walk with pressure on the outside of your heel

 

What does it look like?

If you have any of the follow symptoms, you may have Haglund’s Deformity:

  • A visible bump on the back of your heel(s)

  • Swelling on your heel(s)

  • Redness on your heel(s)

  • Pain/soreness in the area where your Achilles tendon meets the heel

 

What can you do for nonsurgical treatments:

  •  Stretching exercises can relieve the tension from the tendon.

  • Use heel lifts if you have a high arch

  • Heel pads can help reduce friction when walking

  • Buy shoes that have a softer back

  • Custom arch supports can help control with the motion in the foot

  • Ice the heel and Achilles tendon insertion immediately after activity

What can you do when all else fails:

  • Haglund’s deformity and Achilles tendon pain are a common, disabling combination that can make walking, working, and staying active increasingly difficult.

  • Minimally invasive surgery treats the problem at its source, correcting the bony impingement and relieving Achilles irritation through tiny incisions at the back of the heel.

  • Smaller incisions mean less pain and fewer wound issues, a critical advantage in the notoriously difficult-to-heal Achilles region.

  • Most patients experience a faster recovery and quicker return to work and sports compared with traditional open surgery.

  • If months of conservative care haven’t worked, continuing to “wait it out” rarely helps. It’s time to take action and get back on your feet.

  • If heel or Achilles pain is limiting your work or activity, our team will determine whether you are a candidate for a Minimally Invasive Surgical approach designed to reduce pain and speed recovery.

Call for your consultation today

At River Podiatry, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex foot and ankle conditions—including advanced surgical solutions when conservative care has failed.

Schedule your consultation today. Stop managing symptoms. Fix the problem.

Jungwoo Han