What is Haglaund’s Deformity?

 Foot deformities can cause many problems for people from general discomfort to preventing them from walking normally. Deformities can make daily tasks more difficult, but if left untreated they can create life long problems.

Thankfully, many deformities are treatable with medical assistance. One deformity that you can easily treat is called Haglaund’s deformity. This blog is going to focus on the symptoms, dangers, and treatment options of this podiatric problem. 

What is Haglaund’s Deformity?

Haglaund’s deformity is a bone deformity in your foot. It creates a large hump on the back of your heel.  While this condition is hereditary, it can also be caused by ill-fitting shoes. This condition is most common in women who wear high heel pumps with rigid backs, but it can also form from other rigid back shoes whether heels or not.

This can be very painful and make wearing other shoes difficult, taking away from your daily activities and walking long distances. It is best to avoid wearing rigid back shoes or pumps to keep your feet healthy. You can find shoes that have a back to them that will give with your foot enough to keep you from developing Haglaund’s deformity. You can also be more at risk for this deformity if you have high arches, if the shape of your foot is odd, or if you have a tight Achilles tendon. 

What are the Symptoms?

The main symptom of Haglaund’s deformity are pain in your heel, your feet not fitting in shoes like they used to, and a visible hump on your heel. However, the hump might not be noticeable but if your feet are no longer fitting in shoes like they used to and developing blisters on your heel can be an indicator. 

Should You Seek a Podiatrist?

If you are having problems with fitting your feet into shoes, see a physical bump on your heel, or simply think something is wrong, you should find a podiatrist. He or she can determine whether or not you have Haglaund’s deformity and give you adequate treatment help and tips. The podiatrist will also be able to rule out any other foot condition you might have before seeking treatment for Haglaund’s deformity to ensure he or she treats the correct condition. 

How Can You Treat it?

There are a few ways you can treat Haglaund’s. Most can be done at home, but you’ll want to seek medical advice before starting any treatments. Some of the treatments include the following: 

1. Wearing Properly Fitting Shoes

This not only helps treat the problem but also helps prevent it from ever developing. You can get orthotic shoes that are made in such a way to keep your feet protected and healthy, as they provide adequate support and give. Get rid of your high heel pumps or any rigid back shoes when you start treatment as they will only aggravate the problem and make it worse. 

2. Getting Orthotic Arch Supports

When you go to a podiatrist he or she will most likely suggest getting orthotic heel and/or arch supports to wear with other shoes. This will help provide the support you need and keep you from developing the condition or making it worse. This particular treatment should help with the pain and any swelling you may have, as well as keep your heels from developing blisters. 

3. Medication for Pain

If you have further pain that orthotic shoes or supports are not helping, then your doctor may require you to take medication. This can be over the counter medicines like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or prescription medication depending on the severity of the pain. If this does not help, you might be required to get surgery to remove the bone deformity. 

If you are seeking treatment for Haglaund’s deformity and need orthotic shoes or arch supports, then The Orthotic Shop is the perfect shop for you! We have a wide variety of shoes from which to choose, as well as arch supports. We can also provide custom orthotic shoes if your condition requires you to get custom made shoes. Take a look around our shop to find the best shoes for you and your condition!