Haglund's Deformity
Haglund's Deformity Introduction
Foot is an important body part. No one will disagree with my opinion considering the advantages one enjoys with the help of foot. Foot comprises of various organs like heel, toes, bones, muscles, ligaments, joints etc. The bones present in the foot in general and heel in particular may develop certain abnormalities. Development of such abnormalities can lead to certain serious complications and result in temporary or permanent dysfunction of foot. We must pay proper attention towards up keep of foot and ensure foot strength with the help of nutritious diet and physical exercises. Ignorance on part in taking proper care will result in abnormalities.
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Description of Haglund’s Deformity
Haglund’s deformity is a medical condition characterized by enlargement of bone at back of heel bone. In this condition the back of the heel bone, area where Achilles tendons and bone of heel attaches with each other gets affected and develop enlargement.
Haglund’s deformity is also known by other names ‘retroocular bursitis’ and ‘pump dump’.
Causes responsible for development of Haglund’s Deformity
Excessive pressure against the shoes and bursitis are considered as the two major causes responsible for development of Haglund’s Deformity. The stitching or height of the heel counter of a particular foot wear may aggravate this condition. In simple words wearing inappropriate shoes - shoes that does not fit properly or provide comfort and exert pressure on heel bone - is the main cause behind development of Haglund’s deformity.
Symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity
Following are the most common symptoms of Haglund’s deformity.
- Redness of area at the back side of heel
- Swelling at the back side of heel area
Treatment of Haglund’s Deformity
There are some remedies available for treatment of Haglund’s deformity. The method of treatment is associated with the root cause behind development of this condition and severity of the condition. Mild cases of inflammation and projection enlargement of bone – at the back of the heel – are treated using methods such as compression, application of ice blocks, change of foot wear, use of medical aids like heel grip pads, Achilles heel pads and tortoise.
In cases, where the bone enlargement is considerably large, surgery may be required. Your doctor may prescribe you with Cortisone injections for relieving pain. However, the use of such injections for prolonged periods may lead to occurrence of certain other abnormalities related to foot such as Achilles tendon rupture.
Use of anti-inflammatory medications and immobilization are other options available for treating Haglund’s deformity.
Your doctor will recommend best suiting treatment for you after conducting examination and ascertain cause of development of Haglund’s deformity.
Prevention is the best way of treating any disease. Haglund’s deformity is not exception to this rule. Adopt lifestyle like maintaining hygiene by keeping foot clean and dry, proper exercises for enhancing muscle strength; use properly fitting shoes etc and avoid occurrence of Haglund’s deformity in particular and other abnormalities associated with foot in general.
