Today we're going to talk about something that many people probably have, but don't know exactly what it is. Do you have a small lump or bump on the back of your heel, where the big tendon that runs up the back of your leg (we call it the Achilles tendon ) connects to the heel bone, and it feels like it hurts, especially when you put on shoes? If so, this story will be very important to you.
What is Haglund's Deformity?
Simply put, Haagland's deformity is an extra bone growth on the back of your heel bone (also called the calcaneus ), where the Achilles tendon I mentioned earlier attaches. To be precise, it's like a little bump forming on top of the bone. This bump can sometimes be felt and seen when we touch it from the outside.
This is the main cause of pain. Especially when wearing tight shoes or shoes that restrict the heel, the pain increases as the shoe presses on this joint. Over time, this pressure and pressure can lead to other problems in the heel and foot. For example, conditions such as Achilles tendinitis ( inflammation of the Achilles tendon) and heel bursitis (inflammation of a small sac called the bursa in the heel) can occur.
It is usually treated with heel cups, orthotic inserts, changing the type of shoes you wear, and pain-relieving medications. In most cases, surgery is not necessary to remove the bunion. However, some people may need surgery if other treatments do not relieve pain and other symptoms.
How common is this situation?
Haagland's deformity is actually a very common condition . However, it's hard to say exactly how many people have it. Because many people have very mild symptoms, or perhaps no symptoms at all. So they may never go to a doctor and find out for sure, "This is Haagland's deformity."
What are the symptoms of Haglund's deformity?
If you have Haglund's deformity, you may experience symptoms like:
- Heel pain: This is the main symptom.
- A lump on the back of the heel: You can feel it with your hand, sometimes a lump that is visible.
- Swelling: There may be swelling around the lump.
- Skin discoloration: The skin over the area of the bump may become red or discolored.
Most of the time, this condition called Haglund's deformity occurs bilaterally . This means that it is more likely to develop in the heels of both legs, not just one.
What causes this?
Doctors still don't know exactly what causes Haagland's deformity. Some studies have found that it may be genetically inherited . This means that if someone in your family has it, you are more likely to develop it too.
Apart from that, there could be several other reasons:
- Pressure and irritation from shoes: especially from continued use of shoes that are tight, tight, or have an ill-fitting heel.
- Overuse of the heel: Because people like runners put a lot of pressure on their heels all the time. Imagine, some people may experience this kind of pain when they start a new job and have to stand all day, or when they start running for the first time.
- High-arched feet: The shape of some people's feet can also affect this.
- Tight Achilles tendons: If the Achilles tendon is weak.
- Certain gait disorders: Some problems with the way we walk can also affect this.
Who is at higher risk of developing this?
Although anyone can develop Haglund's deformity, some people are more likely to develop it:
- People who wear tight, narrow shoes: especially those that trap heels, such as pointy shoes.
- Women: This condition is more common in women than men, possibly due to the type of shoes they wear.
- People who have had this condition in their family: Because as mentioned before, it can be passed down through generations.
How does a doctor diagnose this?
When you go to a doctor, he or she will first ask you about your symptoms, then feel your heel and check for any lumps. This is called a physical exam .
In addition, X-rays may be done to see exactly how big the lump is and how well the bone is in place. X-rays can also be used to check for other problems with the foot or ankle. Sometimes, if surgery is needed, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan may be done before surgery.
How is Haglund's deformity treated?
When treating a Haglund's deformity, a doctor will usually focus on reducing your symptoms and providing you with relief rather than removing the deformity. This may include one or more of the following:
- Over-the-counter NSAIDs: Medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Ice your heels: Iceing your heels for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Using different, more comfortable shoes: You should choose shoes that are not tight on the heel and have good support.
- Orthotics: These are special insoles or heel cups that are placed inside shoes. These can be purchased at a pharmacy, or they can be custom-made for your feet if recommended by a doctor.
- Physical therapy: A doctor or physical therapist will teach you exercises and stretches to increase flexibility in your heels and ankles. It is very important to do these correctly.
If your symptoms go away with simple treatments like these, you probably won't need any other treatment.
Haglund's Deformity Surgery
Surgery is rarely required for Haglund's deformity.
A doctor will only recommend surgery if severe symptoms persist despite all other treatments. Surgery involves removing the extra bone spurs and inflamed tissue in the heel. Most people take several months to fully recover from this surgery.
How can I manage my symptoms?
The most important thing to do to manage your symptoms is to avoid as much as possible the types of shoes or activities that increase your pain.
Haagland's deformity is sometimes called a "pump bump." This is because the bump is compressed and painful when worn in high-heeled shoes, such as pumps. If you know which shoes cause you pain, avoid wearing them as much as possible. Some people may never be able to wear certain types of shoes, even after their symptoms improve or after surgery to remove the bump.
Important: If your doctor or physical therapist gives you exercises or stretches to increase flexibility, try to do them exactly as they say, and for the number of times they say so.
How quickly will I feel better after treatment?
Many people gradually improve over time by managing their symptoms and reducing the shoes or overuse that caused the pain.
If you have to have surgery to remove a tumor, the pain will gradually decrease as you gradually recover, regain strength, and are able to walk normally. This can usually take a few weeks to a few months.
What happens if I have Haglund's deformity?
Even if you have Haglund's deformity, you don't have to have major long-term problems . Once you learn to manage your symptoms and make small changes to your daily life to avoid pain, Haglund's deformity won't have a major impact on your health.
How long does Haglund's deformity last?
Unless you have surgery to remove the bone spur, Haagland's deformity is technically a lifelong condition. However, if you can manage the symptoms (such as occasional pain or swelling), it won't affect your life or health.
Will I be unable to go to work or school because of this?
Even while you are undergoing treatment for Haagland's deformity, you should not be unable to go to work or school.
However, if you have surgery to remove the tumor, you may need to avoid certain activities until you recover. Talk to your doctor or surgeon about your recovery time and before you can resume physical activity after surgery.
How can I prevent Haglund's deformity from developing?
Doctors don't know exactly what causes Haagland's deformity, so there may never be a way to completely prevent it. It is considered an idiopathic condition.
However, while you can't completely prevent Haagland's deformity, maintaining good foot and ankle health can help prevent pain and other problems:
- Wear comfortable, supportive shoes: Avoid shoes that are uncomfortable or hurt your feet and ankles. Avoid shoes that are tight on the heels or high in the back.
- Strengthen other muscles: By keeping your muscles strong, your ankles and heels will receive good support, and the risk of injury will be reduced.
- Stop if you feel pain: Don't ignore pain. If a movement or activity is uncomfortable, take a break. If the pain doesn't go away, see a doctor. Exercising through pain can make even minor injuries worse.
- Warm up well: Warm up and stretch before exercising. When muscles, ligaments, and tendons are warm before starting physical activity, there is less chance of injury.
When should I see a doctor?
Talk to a doctor if you experience any of the following:
- If a new pain does not subside after several weeks or becomes worse.
- If you have difficulty standing, walking, or using your legs normally.
- If there is swelling.
When should I go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you suddenly lose the ability to use or move your leg, or if you have severe pain that is unbearable, go to the emergency room. If you have a trauma or think you have a broken bone, go to the ER immediately.
What questions should I ask my doctor?
- Is Haglund's deformity the cause of this pain?
- What kind of treatment do I need?
- Will I need surgery?
- Will I need physical therapy?
- Do I need orthotics or shoe inserts?
What is the difference between Haglund's Deformity and a Heel Spur?
Both Haglund's deformity and heel spur are extra bone growths that develop on the heel.
Heel spurs are protrusions that form on the underside of your heel , where the heel bone attaches to the membrane on the underside of your foot (called the plantar fascia) .
Haagland's deformity always occurs at the back of the heel , where your Achilles tendon attaches.
Fortunately, the treatment for both Haglund's deformity and heel spurs is very similar. No matter what the cause of your heel pain is, it's best to talk to a doctor.
Finally, things to remember
Haagland's deformity – a bony growth where your heel bone and Achilles tendon meet – is a condition that can be managed. You may not even know you have it. Even if your pain is mild or comes and goes, talk to your doctor about any new symptoms. Sometimes something as simple as a new pair of shoes can make a big difference. So, don't ignore even the smallest thing, because your comfort is important to you.
` Haglund's Deformity, Heel Pain, Achilles Tendon, Shoes, Heel Spurs, Foot Pain, Haglund's Deformity
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න