Sore Bump at the Back of the Foot and Heel

Quick answer: Sore Bump Back Foot Heel has multiple potential causes including mechanical, neurological, vascular, and inflammatory. The patterns we see most often are overuse, poorly-fitted shoes, and biomechanical imbalance. Red flags requiring urgent evaluation: warmth/redness (infection), inability to bear weight (fracture), and unilateral swelling without injury (DVT). Call (810) 206-1402.

✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 7, 2026

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Sore Bump at the Back of the Foot and Heel [Causes & Best Treatment]

Do you have a sore bump at the back of the foot or heel? Consider #1) back of the heel spur, #2)retrocalcaneal bursitis, #3 Insertional Achilles Tendonitis!

Sore Bump at the Back of the Foot and Heel Overview:

the most common causes of a sore bump at the back of the foot and heel include:

• A back of the heel spur .
• Retro calcaneal healed bursitis.
• Insertional Achilles tendinitis.
• We will go over the six most common causes of other heel pain, as well as the absolute best treatments excavation point

Symptoms:

• the good news is pretty much all three of the major causes, as well as the other causes can initially be treated very similarly.
• You ideally do want to see your podiatrist if you have any unusual symptoms: especially numbness burning and tingling.

Specific symptoms of back of the heel pain include:

• Deep aching pain.
• Tenderness to the back of the heel when touching it.
• Worsening pain when standing all day.
• The pain is the worst in the morning during the first 10-20 steps.
• Worsening pain with more activity.

Podiatrist diagnosis:

• A podiatrist visit will consist of a strong history and physical.
• A physical exam will then be performed to rule out the differences between the most common causes of back the heel pain.
• Sometimes an x-ray may be needed, this can show at heel spur, or potentially a stress fracture the heel or other problems.
• If there is difficulty finding an obvious cause, and the pain is not improving with initial treatment, an MRI or CT scan may be required.

Surgical Options

• If stage two has been unsuccessful for 3-6 months and you feel that you definitely have some boney growth occurring, it may be time to consider meeting with an experienced surgeon.
• Surgery advocates partially detaching the achilles tendon, cleaning off the extra or abnormal bone and then re-attaching the tendon through bone anchors and suture; most recovery periods will comprise of 1-2 months or cast or CAM walker and then transition into a stiff soled shoe for the following few months.

Types of Surgery

• Resection or Haglund’s bump
• Resection of the overlying bursa
• Endoscopic calcaneoplasty
• Calcaneal osteotomy
• Tendon resection and re-attachment

Recovery Time:

• Approximately 1 month non-weight bearing in a cast or a CAM walker and then 1 month in a stiff soled surgical shoe.

Foot and Ankle Surgery in Michigan: When Surgery is the Right Choice

Michigan patients considering foot or ankle surgery benefit from a consultation with a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon who can provide an honest assessment of whether surgery will produce better outcomes than continued conservative management. At Balance Foot & Ankle, surgical recommendations are made only after conservative treatment has been appropriately trialed — with the exception of conditions where early surgical intervention produces clearly superior outcomes (acute Achilles tendon rupture, Lisfranc fracture-dislocation, certain tibial fractures). For conditions like bunions, hammertoes, ankle instability, and Haglund’s deformity, surgical correction is recommended when the structural problem has progressed beyond what conservative management can address and when the patient’s functional goals are not being met. Michigan patients with a foot or ankle condition that has not responded to conservative care can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a surgical consultation at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills office.

Schedule Podiatric Care in Michigan: Same-Week Appointments at Balance Foot & Ankle

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment

Michigan patients with foot or ankle concerns don’t have to wait weeks for an appointment. Balance Foot & Ankle offers same-week new patient appointments at our Howell office (4330 E Grand River, serving Livingston County) and Bloomfield Hills office (43494 Woodward Ave #208, serving Oakland County and northern Metro Detroit). Both offices feature in-office digital X-ray, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and fellowship-trained podiatric surgeons who can address any foot and ankle condition from the routine to the complex. We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Medicare, and most Medicare Advantage plans, and our insurance team verifies benefits before your appointment. Michigan patients ready to get expert foot care can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402.

Clinical References

1. Vaishya R, Agarwal AK, Azizi AT, Vijay V. Haglund’s syndrome: a commonly seen mysterious condition. Cureus. 2016;8(10):e820.
2. Pavlov H, Heneghan MA, Hersh A, et al. The Haglund syndrome: initial and differential diagnosis. Radiology. 1982;144(1):83-88.
3. Sofka CM, Adler RS, Positano R, Pavlov H. Haglund’s syndrome: diagnosis and treatment using sonography. HSS Journal. 2006;2(1):27-29.

In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle

If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot and ankle conditions, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I see a doctor?

See a podiatrist if pain persists past 2 weeks, prevents normal activity, or is accompanied by red-flag symptoms (warmth, swelling, numbness, inability to bear weight).

Can I treat this at home?

Mild cases respond to RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), supportive shoes, and OTC anti-inflammatories. Persistent symptoms need professional evaluation.

How long does it take to heal?

Most soft tissue injuries resolve in 2-6 weeks with appropriate care. Bone injuries take 6-12 weeks. Chronic conditions need longer-term management.