Pump bump (Haglund's deformity)
"Pump bump," or Haglund's deformity, is a type of bursitis of the heel. Bursitis is an inflammation of the sacs (bursae) that contain small amounts of lubricating fluid to help joints move smoothly.
A shoe rubbing on the back of the heel may cause the bump to form. The friction stimulates growth of a bone spur that then irritates the bursa. This is most often seen in women who wear high heels.
Common symptoms may include:
- A bump on the back and outside of the heel.
- Tenderness.
- A callus.
- A clicking sensation when you press on the bump.
Treatment aims to relieve shoe pressure and friction over the bump. Measures to relieve pressure include using a thick heel pad or sponge insert or switching to sandals, clogs, or shoes with a soft heel counter and no obvious seams or stitching over the ridge. Home treatment, such as massaging the area with ice and taking nonprescription anti-inflammatory medications, may help further relieve symptoms. If home treatment is not successful, surgery may be needed.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
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