What are heel bumps?

Haglund’s deformity also known as pump bump or retro calcaneal bursitis is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone.

Causes

Women tend to develop the condition more than men because of irritation from rigid heel counters in shoes that rub up and down on the back of the heel bone when walking. In fact, any shoes with a rigid back, such as ice skates, men’s dress shoes, or women’s pumps, can cause this irritation. To some extent, heredity plays a role in Haglund’s deformity. Inherited foot structures that can make one prone to developing this condition include a high-arched foot, tight Achilles tendon and tendency to walk on the outside of the heel.

Symptoms

• Redness around the inflamed tissue
• Swelling in the back of the heel
• A bump on the back of the heel
• Pain where Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Haglund’s deformity is made after a thorough history and an examination of your foot, and evaluating your symptoms as well as x-rays may be required.