If you have a large bump on the back of each heel, you may wonder if you have a severe foot deformity. The bumps on your heels are called Haglund's deformity, or "pump bumps." Pump bumps can be painful for some people if they cause other problems in the feet, including inflammation of the Achilles tendon. You can overcome the pain with the information below.
Why Do You Have Pump Bumps?
You might find the name "pump bump" strange, but it's a real condition that affects both men and women who wear shoes with stiff or rigid backs. The rigid material creates friction and pressure on the heel bone. Your body tries to repair the injured tissue by sending calcium deposits to your heels. The deposits eventually harden into a bump that irritates and inflames the soft tissues surrounding it, including the Achilles tendon.
Haglund's deformity can also develop in people who have inherited foot problems, such as high arches and tight Achilles tendons. Walking on the outside of your heels may also cause a bump to form on the back of your heel bone. All of these conditions above place extra stress on the heel bone and the soft tissues connected to it.
The symptoms of Haglund's deformity can vary from person to person, including redness in the skin over the heels. Most people experience pain when they wear rigid-backed shoes. The footwear creates tension between the Achilles tendon and bone tissue. It's possible for inflammation (bursitis) to develop in the watery sacs found between the tendon and heel bone.
The deformities in your heels can become larger and worse over time. To prevent these issues, treat your pump bumps now
How Do You Treat Your Pump Bumps?
You can do some things at home to make your heels feel better, beginning with changing your footwear. Wear shoes with soft backs to keep your heels comfortable during the day and in the evening. If possible, gently massage your heels to help relieve the pain. Also, stretch your calves and rotate your ankles to keep your Achilles tendons in good shape. If the tendons become tight or inflamed, they can make your pain worse.
You may be able to soothe the inflamed skin for a short time with an ice pack or cool cloth. Place the cool pack on the inflamed skin for 20 minutes, then remove it. If you can safely do so, take an over-the-counter pain medication to alleviate the inflammation.
Finally, schedule a visit with a podiatrist. A podiatrist may examine your heels to see if you have Haglund's deformity as well as problems with your Achilles tendon. There are other foot conditions that can cause heel pain, such as heel spurs and plantar fasciitis. A foot doctor needs to rule out these issues before they can provide the proper treatment.
If your condition is due to severe Haglund's deformity, a podiatrist may suggest that you remove the growth with surgery. For small growths, a doctor may ask you to wear heel support pads in your shoes. The pads cushion and soothe your heels throughout the day.
A foot doctor may monitor your heels to ensure that they stay healthy. If your heels continue to bother you or show signs of Haglund's deformity, you may need to wear arch support pads or orthotics inside your shoes. These devices are generally custom made to ensure that they work and fit properly.
If you have other concerns about your heels, contact a foot and ankle specialist today. You don't have to accept or deal with your heel pain when there's treatment available for it.
