Heel Pain Relief: Understanding Haglund's Deformity and Effective Non-Surgical Treatments

Understanding Haglund's Deformity and Its Impact on Heel Pain

If you've ever been diagnosed with Haglund's deformity or a heel spur and told that it's the source of your heel pain, it's time to explore the possibility that the real issue may lie elsewhere. Mareka, a seasoned physiotherapist from TreatmentPlease.com, sheds light on the condition and offers hope for those seeking relief without resorting to surgery.

What is Haglund's Deformity?

Haglund's deformity is identified through an X-ray as a bony prominence at the back of the heel. It's a structural feature of your bone that, contrary to common belief, doesn't inherently cause pain. The true culprits of heel discomfort often turn out to be issues like Achilles tendon insertional tendinopathy or bursitis — inflammation of the bursa located behind the tendon.

Debunking the Myth

The assumption that Haglund's deformity directly results in heel pain stems from its potential to slightly reduce the space at the back of the heel, which could, theoretically, lead to increased compression. However, numerous factors debunk this theory:

• Diagnosis in Both Feet: Individuals diagnosed with Haglund's deformity in both heels often experience pain in only one, suggesting that the deformity itself isn't the sole pain trigger.

• Long-term Presence: This bony prominence develops over many years and can exist long before any pain is felt, indicating it isn't the direct cause of discomfort.

• Existence Without Deformity: Many suffer from insertional tendinopathy and bursitis — the actual sources of pain — without having Haglund's deformity.

Real Cause of Heel Pain: Overload

The essence of heel pain lies in the sudden increase in compression and load on the Achilles tendon and bursa, typically due to abrupt changes in activity levels or footwear. Transitioning from heeled to flat shoes or dramatically increasing exercise intensity without adequate adaptation time for the body can trigger this pain.

Non-Surgical Treatment Approaches

Understanding that Haglund's deformity is not the root cause of the pain opens up various non-surgical treatment options focused on managing the actual pain sources:

• Offloading: Temporarily wearing shoes with a slight heel or using heel lifts can alleviate compression on the painful areas.

• Medication: For bursitis, a short course of anti-inflammatories might offer quick relief, though it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any medication.

• Physical Therapy: Customized exercises designed to gradually strengthen the affected area without exacerbating the pain are crucial. Avoiding exercises that increase compression, such as certain types of calf stretches, is also advised.

• Alternative Treatments: For persistent cases, options like shockwave therapy or certain injections can be explored before considering surgery.

Final Thoughts

Haglund's deformity might contribute to the conditions that make the heel more susceptible to pain, but it's not the direct cause. By addressing the actual issues — tendinopathy and bursitis — through careful management and tailored rehabilitation, many can achieve relief without needing surgical intervention. Remember, recovery takes time, and patience is key to a successful outcome.

For more detailed insights into treating heel pain and Haglund's deformity without surgery, and to explore online physiotherapy options, visit TreatmentPlease.com.

Watch the full explanation on Haglund's deformity and non-surgical treatment methods here.