Painful Heel Lump or Bump on the Back of the Foot

Painful Heel Lump: The cause of back of the heel pain are a haglund’s bump, achilles calcification and achilles bursitis.

Causes Of A Painful Back Of The Heel Lump:

1) Back Of The Heel Bone Formation:

• A lump or bump at the back of the heel is  a Haglund’s bump.
• It can also be called an enthesopathy: this means calcification of the Achilles tendon.
• This is basically excess bone that forms over time due to improper rubbing and biomechanics.
• This is especially likely in females that wear improper shoes like flats or high heels.
• This excess bone formation of bone at the back of the heel can put pressure on the soft tissue.
• This will eventually lead to irritation and inflammation in the area.

2)Back Of The Heel Bursitis:

• There are two gel-like pouches on the inside and on the outside of your Achilles tendon.
• These pouches  are known as bursa.

• The normal function of the bursa is to provide a lubricated surface for the Achilles tendon to slide.

• It should allows the tendon to slide between the bone and the skin.
• If one of these get inflamed or damaged you can get a condition known as bursitis.

Who Gets A Back Of The Heel Lump Or Bump:

• The most likely demographic to be affected are females aged 20-30 years old.
• Especially those who wear high heel shoes.
• It is more likely in people with a high arched foot.
• Those who frequently have friction against the back of their heel.
• But It can happen to anyone.

Back Of The Heel Lump Or Bump Symptoms:

• Can be fast on setting pain or very gradually on setting pain.
• Pain that hurts before motion and starts to get better as you move around more.
• The back outside of your heel is painful.
• Achilles tendon insertion pain is likely.
• Inflammation and redness likely in the skin.

Painful Heel Lump X-rays:

• Large bump on the upper outside of your heel (Haglund’s deformity).
• Calcification of the insertion of the Achilles tendon.
• Soft tissue swelling (bursitis).
• Rule out any damage to the Achilles tendon.
• Rule out any heel spur.

Treatment Guide

Here is the guide on how to handle a Haglund’s bump in 3 easy steps:

Stage 1: Conservative Treatment

Stage 2:  Extensive Conservative Treatment or Surgery

Stage 3: Surgery

Other Back Of The Foot Pain Causes:

1)Achilles Tendinitis:

• If the pain appears more slowly and you cannot physically feel a bump on the back of your foot.
• Suspect Achilles Tendinitis.

2)Plantar Fasciitis :

• Suspect this if the bottom of your heel is hurting.
• Suspect this if your arch is also hurting.
• This is the most common cause of heel pain.

3)Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome:

• Suspect these if you have numbness burning or tingling.