When it comes to some of the most stubborn health issues, foot conditions are at the top of the list. No matter how many times you treat the same issue, they tend to come back. But can Haglund’s deformity recur after surgery, and is there a way to keep it from coming back? Here’s everything you need to know about Haglund’s deformity surgery and prevention for this common condition.
Haglund’s deformity can recur after surgery in some cases. A successful surgery where all affected tissue is removed can greatly minimize the chances of it coming back. To keep the deformity from recurring, wear appropriate footwear, avoid putting excessive pressure on the heel of your foot, and wear heel pads.
What Is Haglund’s Deformity?
Haglund’s deformity, also known as a “pump bump,” is a hard growth on the back of your heel bone. It appears as a large bump on the back of your heel, followed by skin discoloration around it. This bony growth underneath the skin is very easily noticeable – you can see and feel it, and it can cause a lot of foot pain.
Besides pain and inflammation, this condition can cause further problems if left untreated. A Haglund’s deformity is located on the bone where the Achilles tendon attaches, and the tendon can get damaged from pressure over time. It’s a very common condition, and in most cases, it develops bilaterally – on both feet at the same time.
There is no certain cause of this condition. It’s more common in women, as they wear high heels that irritate the heel of the foot – pumps, which is where the name “pump bump” comes from. There are many treatment options, including home remedies, heel cups, physical therapy, orthopedic shoes, and exercises, but minimally invasive surgery is the most efficient one.
What Factors Might Contribute to the Recurrence of Haglund’s Deformity?
While surgery is the most effective treatment option, sometimes the condition comes back even after the procedure, for various reasons.
Incomplete Removal
Sometimes, a Haglund’s deformity comes back after surgery because it wasn’t completely removed during the procedure. Your surgeon should remove all the affected tissue in the area of the bone, which will prevent the growth from recurring. That’s why it’s so important to find an experienced surgeon that will entirely remove the growth.
Bad Footwear
One of the most common reasons why Haglund’s deformity comes back is because patients continue wearing inappropriate footwear after the procedure. You should avoid wearing tight shoes that apply pressure to your heels and find comfortable shoes that support your feet correctly.
Biomechanical Factors
Another reason that could contribute to the recurrence of Haglund’s deformity is biomechanical factors. This is especially important for athletes and people who engage in regular physical activities. Activities like running uphill or on hard surfaces and other repetitive motions where excessive pressure is applied to the heel of your foot can aggravate it and cause the deformity to come back.
How Common Is Recurrence?
Although the recurrence of Haglund’s deformity after a surgical procedure isn’t that common, it can still happen even if the surgery was performed successfully.
How to Prevent a Recurrence After Surgery
Even though there is no guarantee the deformity won’t come back, there are certain things you can do to minimize the chances of it recurring:
- Wear appropriate footwear that isn’t too tight and doesn’t apply pressure to the heel,
- Avoid excessive physical activity that includes repetitive motions that irritate the heel of your foot,
- Use heel pads and arch supports,
- Do exercises to stretch and relax your Achilles tendon.
Discuss Your Concerns With a Doctor in Miami
If the surgery is done right, the chances of your Haglund’s deformity coming back are minimal. That’s why it’s so important to find the right, experienced doctor you can rely on to properly remove this deformity and make sure it doesn’t come back. If you want to minimize the chances of Haglund’s deformity recurring, contact us and schedule an appointment with our surgeon at the Luxe Foot Surgery clinic. Our team will make sure you get the best possible care and will be there to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the procedure.
