Haglund's Deformity Treatment in Penrith
A bony bump at the back of the heel - sometimes called a 'pump bump' - can rub against shoes and inflame the surrounding tissue. We settle the irritation and reduce the pressure that aggravates it.
- Offloading & footwear
- Shockwave for tendon pain
- Specialist referral if needed
- 60+Years Combined Experience
- 4.9Google Rating (185+)
- Specialist Podiatric Surgeon on team
- Endorsed for Scheduled Medicines
What Is Haglund's Deformity?
Haglund's deformity is an enlargement of the bony section at the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches. When this prominence rubs against the stiff back of a shoe, it can irritate the tissue and the fluid-filled bursa that sits between the bone and the tendon, causing pain, swelling and a visible bump.
It's often nicknamed 'pump bump' because firm-backed shoes like pumps and dress shoes commonly aggravate it. The bony shape itself doesn't go away, but the pain and inflammation it causes usually respond well to reducing the pressure and calming the irritated tissue.
What Aggravates It?
The bone shape is often inherited, but several factors bring on the symptoms:
Stiff-backed footwear
shoes with a rigid heel counter that rub the prominence
Bony heel shape
a naturally prominent upper heel bone
Tight calf & Achilles
increasing tension and pressure at the back of the heel
High arches
which can tip the heel into a position that worsens the rub
Repetitive impact
running and activity that load the Achilles insertion
Symptoms to Look Out For
A visible bump
a firm, often reddened lump at the back of the heel.
Back-of-heel pain
pain where the Achilles meets the heel, worse in firm shoes.
Swelling & redness
inflammation over the bump, sometimes with a tender bursa.
Shoe-related pain
discomfort that flares with certain footwear and eases in open-back shoes.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Because back-of-heel pain has several causes, assessment pinpoints the source and rules out related problems. It includes:
Examination
assessing the bump, the bursa and the Achilles insertion.
Achilles assessment
checking for insertional Achilles tendon involvement, which often coexists.
Diagnostic ultrasound
in-clinic imaging of the bursa and tendon where useful.
X-ray referral
to confirm the bony prominence and rule out other causes.
Conservative Treatment Options
Most people settle well by reducing the pressure on the bump and calming the irritated tissue. Treatment may include:
- Footwear changes - softer or open-backed shoes that stop the heel counter rubbing
- Heel lifts & padding - raising and cushioning the heel to reduce pressure on the prominence
- Custom orthotics - improving heel position where mechanics are contributing
- Calf & Achilles stretching - reducing tension at the back of the heel
- Shockwave therapy - for associated insertional Achilles tendon pain that hasn't settled
- Activity modification - easing impact loading while the tissue calms down
Conservative care won't shrink the bone, but it very often resolves the pain and inflammation by removing the aggravating pressure.
When Symptoms Persist
If pain continues despite thorough conservative care - particularly where there's significant bursitis or insertional Achilles damage - surgical options to reduce the bony prominence may be considered. We have a Registered Specialist Podiatric Surgeon on the team who can assess whether that's appropriate, so any decision is considered and well-informed.
Haglund's Deformity FAQs
Will the bump go away with treatment?
The bony bump itself doesn't shrink with conservative care - but the pain, swelling and inflammation it causes usually settle well once the aggravating pressure is removed. Most people become comfortable without needing surgery.
What shoes should I wear?
Soft-backed or open-heeled shoes that don't press on the bump are best while it's irritated. We'll advise on footwear that keeps you comfortable and reduces the rub - stiff, rigid heel counters are the main aggravator.
Is it the same as Achilles pain?
They're closely related and often occur together, because the Achilles attaches right next to the bony prominence. Part of our assessment is working out how much of your pain is the Haglund's bump, the bursa, or the Achilles insertion - as it guides treatment.
Will I need surgery?
Usually not. Most cases resolve with footwear changes, offloading and calming the tissue. Surgery to reduce the bone is considered only when thorough conservative care hasn't worked, and we have a Registered Specialist Podiatric Surgeon to advise if it comes to that.
Serving Penrith & Western Sydney
If a painful bump at the back of your heel flares up in certain shoes, book an assessment and we'll relieve the pressure and calm the irritation. We see patients from across Penrith, Kingswood, St Marys, Glenmore Park and the Blue Mountains.
Related conditions
Achilles Tendon Pain
Stiff, aching pain in the Achilles tendon - a loading problem that responds to structured rehab.
Learn moreHeel Pain
Sharp morning heel pain or a dull daily ache - diagnosed with in-clinic ultrasound and treated.
Learn moreAnkle Arthritis
Cartilage wear in the ankle joint - conservative care preserves function and slows progression.
Learn moreRequest an appointment
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Penrith, NSW 2750