What is Haglund's deformity and how is it treated?

Haglund's deformity (pump bump) is a prominent bony enlargement on the back of the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches. It causes posterior heel pain, especially from shoe heel counter pressure. At Balance Foot & Ankle, treatment includes avoiding rigid-back shoes, wearing heel lifts, anti-inflammatory measures, shockwave therapy, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the bony prominence.

Can exercises help Haglund's deformity?

Exercises for Haglund's deformity focus on calf stretching to reduce Achilles tendon tension at the bony prominence, eccentric calf strengthening to improve tendon resilience, and soft tissue release around the Achilles insertion. However, exercises cannot reduce the bony spur itself — they manage surrounding soft tissue symptoms. Balance Foot & Ankle designs exercise programs that address the muscle-tendon factors while avoiding further bone-on-tendon compression.

What shoes are best for Haglund's deformity?

The best shoes for Haglund's deformity have soft or open heel counters (to avoid pressing on the bump), a moderate heel lift (1-1.5 inches reduces Achilles tension), and cushioning at the heel. Backless clogs, open-heel sandals, and shoes with padded or soft heel counters are ideal. Rigid-back shoes, pump-style heels, and sneakers with hard internal heel cups worsen Haglund's. Balance Foot & Ankle provides specific footwear guidance.

Is Haglund's deformity the same as a heel spur?

No. A heel spur at the back of the heel (retrocalcaneal exostosis or Haglund's deformity) is different from a plantar heel spur under the bottom of the heel related to plantar fasciitis. Haglund's causes pain at the back of the heel from Achilles tendon and shoe contact, while a plantar heel spur is associated with pain on the bottom of the heel. Balance Foot & Ankle distinguishes these with X-ray evaluation.

When does Haglund's deformity require surgery?

Haglund's deformity surgery is considered after 6+ months of failed conservative treatment including footwear modification, shoe inserts, physical therapy, shockwave therapy, and injections. Surgery involves removing the bony prominence and addressing any associated Achilles tendon damage. Balance Foot & Ankle offers comprehensive non-surgical management before surgical evaluation. Call (810) 206-1402 to discuss Haglund's deformity treatment options.

When should I see a podiatrist?

For persistent foot/ankle pain, difficulty walking, numbness, non-healing wounds, skin changes, or deformities. Dr. Biernacki offers same-day appointments. Call 810-206-1402.

Does Dr. Biernacki accept insurance?

Balance Foot & Ankle accepts most major plans including BCBS, Aetna, United, Cigna & Medicare. Call 810-206-1402 to verify coverage. Affordable self-pay options available.

What to expect at your first podiatry visit?

Comprehensive evaluation including history, exam, biomechanical assessment, and in-office X-rays. Same-day diagnosis and treatment when possible. Most visits take 30-45 minutes.

What is Haglund deformity?

Haglund deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone that irritates the Achilles tendon and retrocalcaneal bursa. It is sometimes called a pump bump because rigid shoe backs can aggravate it.

Can Haglund deformity be treated without surgery?

Conservative treatment includes open-back shoes, heel lifts, Achilles stretching, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and custom orthotics to control rearfoot motion. Many patients achieve significant relief without surgery.

What exercises help Haglund deformity?

Gentle calf stretches, eccentric heel drops (modified to avoid full dorsiflexion), ankle range-of-motion exercises, and Achilles tendon mobilization help reduce symptoms. Avoid exercises that increase pressure on the back of the heel.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Haglunds Bump or Haglunds Deformity Pain

Name: Haglunds Deformity & Haglunds Bump Treatment [Exercises & Stretching]
Uploaded: 2020-10-31T17:05:11-04:00
Channel: Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Description: ✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026 Haglunds Bump or Haglunds Deformity Pain Do you have Haglunds Bump or Haglunds...

Do you have Haglunds Bump or Haglunds Deformity Pain? We go over the best back of the heel pain treatment! This video will show the best shoes, the best Haglunds Bump exercises, the best Haglunds deformity heel spur exercises & treatments available!

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Heel and Achilles Tendon Treatment in Michigan: Conservative and Surgical Options

Michigan patients with heel pain and Achilles tendon disorders have access to the full spectrum of treatment options at Balance Foot & Ankle — from conservative management to advanced interventional and surgical care. Plantar fasciitis, the most common cause of heel pain, responds to custom orthotic therapy, targeted Achilles and plantar fascia stretching, cortisone injection for acute inflammatory flares, and EPAT (extracorporeal pulse activation therapy) for cases that do not resolve with initial conservative care. Insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy each have specific treatment approaches: insertional tendinopathy with Haglund’s deformity requires heel lift orthotics, footwear modification, EPAT, and occasionally surgical Haglund’s exostectomy with tendon debridement; non-insertional (mid-substance) tendinopathy responds best to eccentric loading protocols, EPAT, and very rarely surgical tendon debridement. Retrocalcaneal bursitis, which coexists with insertional tendinopathy in many patients, is diagnosed on ultrasound and treated with ultrasound-guided injection. Michigan patients with heel pain or Achilles tendon symptoms can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Comprehensive Foot Care in Michigan: Balance Foot & Ankle Serving Howell and Bloomfield Hills

Michigan patients with any foot or ankle concern can access expert podiatric care at Balance Foot & Ankle, with fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons providing the full range of conservative and surgical treatment at our Howell (4330 E Grand River) and Bloomfield Hills (43494 Woodward Ave #208) locations. We offer same-week new patient appointments, in-office digital X-ray, and acceptance of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans. Whether the concern is acute (a new injury, infection, or rapidly worsening condition) or chronic (a long-standing pain pattern that has not resolved with self-care), our team provides the diagnostic clarity and treatment expertise to address foot and ankle problems effectively. Michigan patients can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule their appointment.

When Home Treatment Isn’t Enough: Michigan Podiatric Evaluation at Balance Foot & Ankle

Related Treatment Guides

Michigan patients who have been managing foot and toe problems at home — through exercises, stretching, padding, taping, and OTC products — and are not getting lasting relief deserve a clinical evaluation that identifies what is actually driving their symptoms. At Balance Foot & Ankle, foot pain evaluation combines a detailed history of what has been tried and what has partially worked with a thorough physical examination, weight-bearing X-rays, and ultrasound imaging when soft tissue characterization is needed. Many Michigan patients discover that a precisely targeted conservative intervention — a custom orthotic with specific modifications, an ultrasound-guided injection, or a custom-fitted brace — resolves a problem that generic self-treatment could not. Others who have a structural problem that requires surgical correction receive an honest recommendation with realistic expectations for recovery and long-term outcomes. Michigan patients with persistent foot and toe problems can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a diagnostic evaluation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Medical References & Sources

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Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.

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Bump on the Back of Your Heel?

Haglund deformity causes pain from shoe pressure and Achilles irritation. Our podiatrists offer conservative management and surgical correction when needed.

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Clinical References

Vaishya R, et al. “Haglund syndrome: a commonly seen mysterious condition.” Cureus. 2016;8(10):e820.
Pavlov H, et al. “Retrocalcaneal bursitis: diagnosis with MR imaging.” Radiology. 1982;144(1):83-88.
Sella EJ, et al. “Haglund syndrome.” Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. 1998;37(2):110-114.

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Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.