There are a variety of podiatric conditions with names that can be somewhat misleading. You certainly do not have to be an athlete to develop a case of athlete’s foot. Even if you have never hemmed a pair of pants, you might still end up with a tailor’s bunion.

In the same way, women who wear pumps are not the only ones who develop pump bumps. Fortunately, there are treatments for this condition—also known as Haglund’s deformity.

Your body is incredibly adept at taking measures to protect itself. One such process the body may utilize is creating extra bone tissue when you consistently experience pressure on the backside of your heel. The result of this excess bone tissue is a lump that can itself cause problems.

Not all cases of Haglund’s deformity happen to women who wear certain models of shoes, but the condition is significantly more prevalent in female patients who frequently wear pumps and other high-heeled footwear. Such models typically have rigid backs and are especially tight to keep feet from sliding out, which pressures the bone so your body creates a pump bump.

When the bony protrusion rubs against the rigid back of a shoe, it can cause irritation in soft tissue that is close to your Achilles tendon. In turn, you may develop bursitis, which is inflammation of a bursa (a fluid-filled sac which provides cushioning) that sits between the tendon and bone.

Footwear choices contribute to a majority of cases, but there are other causes as well. Foot shape and structure, particularly tight Achilles tendons and high arches, may contribute to the development of this condition. Additionally, the biomechanics of your gait—the specific manner in which you walk—could be a cause, especially if you tend to walk on the outsides of your feet.

One way to manage the pressure and pain that accompanies this condition is to simply not wear shoes, but we know that this is not a viable option. Fortunately, there are practical ways of treating this condition, some of which can be performed at home.

Prior to your appointment with our office, you can see if any of the following tips help:

Prior to your appointment with our office, you can see if any of the following tips help:

Need a Same Day Appointment? Call 1-804-273-1717

No matter which options we choose to employ, the goal is the same – providing you with the pain relief you need.

Achilles Foot and Ankle Center is here for you whenever you experience a condition or injury that is causing pain and discomfort in your lower limbs. We are committed to redefining your expectations of excellence when it comes to foot and ankle care and will find the relief you need. Contact our Richmond, VA office by calling (804) 273-1717 or use our online form to request an appointment.