Pump Bump is the common name for Haglund’s Deformity. Many patients that we at Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center see with this condition mistakenly believe that it is caused by their shoes. In reality, the bony protrusion at the back of the heel is the result of faulty foot structure which is often inherited. Other conditions that can lead to pump bump include:

• Underpronation (walking on the outside edge of your foot)
• High arches
• Tight Achilles tendon

Reducing Pain and Irritation

Our podiatrists, Dr. Victoria Foley and Dr. Constance Omelas, will need to examine your foot to confirm a diagnosis of Pump Bump. The foot doctor will likely order x-rays of the back of the heel as well to evaluate the bone structure and rule out other conditions that might cause pain and irritation in that part of the foot.

Shoes with stiff backs that repeatedly rub against the bump make it red and painful. Pumps consistently hit the spot where the deformity is located and hence the name, Pump Bump. Other shoes are problematic also, including high topped work boots, ice skates and certain men’s dress shoes. If you have Haglund’s Deformity you obviously have to be selective about your footwear. A callus or open sore can form if you continue to wear shoes that put pressure on this spot.

There are several other ways to relieve the pain and decrease the friction on the bony enlargement, depending on what else is putting stress on the back of the heel. The foot doctor may recommend heel lifts to help compensate for high arches, stretching exercises if you have a tight Achilles tendon, or custom orthotics to help control the motion of the foot. Padding, immobilization and medication are other avenues of treatment. If you continue to be in severe pain despite these noninvasive measures, surgery may be required.

The bottom line is if you have Pump Bump you don’t need to continue to suffer. Make an appointment at our Long Beach office by calling 562-420-9800 and find out what can be done to relieve your painful symptoms.