High heels, especially pumps, have remained a staple for the fashion-conscious women for thousands of years. Though stylish, wearing pump-style shoes can often cause significant pain and irritation. Pump bumps are painful, swollen “bumps” behind the heel, just where the shoe rubs against the back of the ankle. It usually affects women in their 20s and 30s who love to wear high heel shoes. The official name for this bump is Haglund’s deformity.
Haglund’s deformity is a type of foot exostosis, a benign growth of new extra bone on top of existing bone on the back of the heel bone. The soft tissue near the Achilles tendon becomes irritated when this bone rubs against shoes.
When the bump rubs against the backs of stiff pump-style shoes, it causes pressure that aggravates the enlargement when walking, irritates the soft tissues and can result in pain and bursitis (swelling of bursa). The shape of the calcaneus (heel bone) and persons with high-arches, a tight Achilles tendon, and a tendency to walk on the outside of the heel are at higher risk for developing a pump bump.
What the “pump bump” feels like
Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet. The primary symptom of Haglund’s deformity is pain at the back of the heel, especially in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Over time, the tissues over the bony bump thickens, causing a callous (hard skin) to form. This area can become inflamed while wearing shoes. The bursa on the back of the heel may become red, swollen and inflamed causing bursitis.

Prevention
You can prevent Haglund’s deformity by wearing appropriate shoes, avoiding shoes with a rigid heel back, using arch supports or orthotic devices recommended by the podiatrist, performing stretching exercises to prevent the Achilles tendon from getting tightened and avoid running on hard surfaces and running uphill.
Diagnosis and treatment
The podiatrist will diagnose the problem starting with a complete history and physical examination. Usually, the bump is obvious and easily seen on the back of the heel. X-rays will be taken, so the podiatrist can see the shape of the calcaneus and to make sure there is no other cause for your heel pain.
Non-surgical treatment: Non-surgical treatment of Haglund’s deformity is aimed at reducing the inflammation of the bursa. While these methods can help the pain and inflammation, they will not shrink the bony enlargement of the heel bone.
The primary cause of the problem is wearing shoes that press on the back of the heel. One easy way to remove the pressure from the back of the heel is to wear shoes with no back, such as clogs. If you must wear shoes with backs, heel pads placed over the back of the heel may give some relief. Staying out of shoes as much as possible will usually reduce the inflammation and the bursitis due to Haglund’s deformity.
If the pain continues, see a podiatrist who will treat the condition. Oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be recommended to reduce the pain and inflammation. Ice can be applied to the inflamed area to reduce swelling. Use ice for 20 minutes, then wait at least 40 minutes before icing again several times a day. Stretching exercises help relieve tension from the Achilles tendon and increase its flexibility. Heel lifts placed inside the shoe can also decrease the pressure on the heel. Ultrasound and other therapies can help reduce inflammation. Insoles or orthotics help control the motion in the foot and relieve some pain.
Surgery: If these strategies do not solve the problem, surgery may be needed. The surgical procedures designed to treat Haglund’s deformity cut off a part of the heel bone to reduce the enlargement on the back of the heel. This will decrease the pressure from the shoe and prevent the pain. Over time, the thickened tissues will shrink back to near normal size if the pressure on it is removed.
• For more information on foot conditions, visit www.apma.org, healthcentral.com, or email us at foothealth242@gmail.com. To see a podiatrist, visit Bahamas Foot Centre, Rosetta Street, or telephone 325-2996 for an appointment at Bahamas Surgical Associates Centre, Hilltop Medical, or call 394-5820 for an appointment. You can also visit Lucayan Medical Centre in Freeport, Grand Bahama, or telephone 373-7400 for an appointment.
The post Pump bumps appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/pump-bumps/
No comments:
Post a Comment