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What is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s Deformity is a condition that affects the heel area of the foot. It occurs when the bony enlargement located at the back of the heel rubs against shoes or other objects, resulting in inflammation and pain. The most common symptom of this condition is swelling and tenderness around the heel, which can make it difficult to walk or even stand for extended periods of time. While Haglund’s Deformity is not normally serious, it is important to see a podiatrist for proper diagnosis and treatment in order to minimize any discomfort.
Causes of Haglund’s Deformity
One of the most common causes of Haglund’s deformity is wearing tight-fitting or poor-fitting shoes that rub against or press into the heel bone. While it is more common in women than men, this condition can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
How to Treat Haglund’s Deformity
Treating Haglund’s Deformity usually begins with reducing inflammation and pressure on the affected area by wearing appropriate shoes. An orthotic device may also be used as a way to redistribute weight off of the heel and provide more cushioning. Stretching exercises may also be prescribed to help provide relief from symptoms.
In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary in order to remove any bony growths or repair soft tissue damage. Additionally, certain medications may be recommended in order to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. With proper diagnosis and treatment, Haglund’s Deformity can be managed with minimal disruption to your everyday life.
Haglund’s Deformity Surgery
If other methods have been unsuccessful or if the deformity is severe, surgery may be recommended to remove the excess bone that is causing the problem. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia and typically involves reshaping the heel bone to relieve pressure and provide relief from the pain.
While surgery is not always necessary to treat Haglund’s Deformity, it may be recommended by a medical professional if non-surgical measures fail to reduce the symptoms of the deformity. The key to successful surgical treatment for Haglund’s Deformity lies in understanding the cause and nature of the condition, as well as how to address the underlying problem that contributes to its development.
When an experienced and highly trained orthopedic surgeon examines the patient with Haglund’s Deformity and is presented with an individualized treatment plan, they will use a variety of approaches to correct the deformity, such as soft tissue repair, autografting or allografting, Achilles tendon lengthening, and/or excision of the bony prominence. Surgery will also help correct any associated factors that may have contributed to the deformity’s formation, including a high degree of pronation, rounded heels, lower extremity misalignment, tight calves, excessive activity outdoors on hard surfaces, poor shoe fitting, and more.
Ultimately, surgical treatment for Haglund’s Deformity requires thoughtful consideration and expertise to ensure optimal outcomes. With a comprehensive treatment plan in place, patients who suffer from Haglund’s Deformity can find lasting relief and improved physical function.
Other Treatments
If you are living with Haglund’s Deformity, there are other treatments you may want to consider. Physical therapy, ice therapy, and orthotics are all potential methods for relieving pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as switching to supportive shoes or losing weight can help reduce the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity.
- Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises and physical therapy can be used to reduce the strain on the Achilles tendon, thereby reducing symptoms of Haglund’s Deformity.
- Ice packs: Applying ice packs in the affected area for 10-15 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation, pain, and swelling associated with Haglund’s Deformity.
- Steroid injections: Cortisone steroid injections into the Achilles tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and provide relief from the pain caused by Haglund’s Deformity.
- Orthotic shoe inserts: Custom orthotics fitted to a patient’s exact foot shape can help relieve pressure on the heel, thus providing relief from the discomfort associated with Haglund’s Deformity.
For more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the deformity. Types of surgeries to correct Haglund’s Deformity include exostectomy (removal of bone spurs), heel spur resection, and Achilles tendon lengthening. After surgery, physical therapy is typically recommended to ensure full recovery and lasting symptom relief.