Haglund's deformity (bone char on the heel)

Haglund's deformity, also called Haglund's heel, is a bone growth or coal on the back of the heel. Haglund's deformity can lead to mucosal inflammation of the heel (as a kind of defense mechanism to prevent further damage) - also called retrocalcaneal bursitis. It can also cause irritation and damage Achilles tendon eventually if the load is not reduced. Haglund's heel is formed due to prolonged, constant biomechanical irritation to the heel and heel attachment. The condition is closely linked to increased incidence of rubbing and pain on the back of the heel.

Causes of Haglund's deformity

There are several factors that make some people more likely to develop Haglund's deformity than others. Five things in particular are mentioned as the cause of this heel problem:

- stance: Posture on the arch, legs in the foot and ankle, as well as stabilizing tendons, all play a role in the position of the foot. Certain foot positions are more prone to develop Haglund's heel than others.

- Aisles and aisles: A gait where the person lands more on the outside of the heel before falling into pronation will lead to increased strain on the heel and Achilles tendon. This will also cause the heel to have an inward rotation which in turn will increase the pressure between the heel bone and the tendon. A person with this gait style will wear the soles of the shoes on the outside of the back of the shoe. As mentioned earlier, the Achilles tendon will defend itself by using the mucus sac that lies between the heel bone and the tendon - the retrocalcaneal mucus sac. By making the mucus sac larger, the tendon will remove the pressure away from itself, but unfortunately this will cause the mucus sac (also called the bursa) to become inflamed and swollen. This is how Haglund's heel can lead to mucositis in the heel.

- genetics: Leg position, tightness of the Achilles and Muscles are to a certain extent determined by your genes. This means that some have a significantly higher chance of developing Haglund's deformity than others.

- High arches: This arch position can increase the load between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. This is because the heel bone will tip backwards due to the high arches of the foot - and thus exert a greater load / friction between the leg and the tendon. Over time, it is this strain that causes the body to put down extra bone growth in the area - in response to trying and stabilizing the situation. This is considered one of the main reasons for Haglund's heel.

- Tight Achilles and Leg Muscles: A tight Achilles tendon will cause even less space between the heel bone and the mucus. If the tendon is more flexible and resilient then the friction or pressure will not be as great against the exposed area.

These stresses and risk factors often occur in interaction with each other, as several of the points are directly or indirectly related. By trying and weeding out the causes that affect one's self, one can cushion the strain on the heel and thus reduce the chance of Haglund's heel and / or mucus inflammation in the heel.

Who is affected by Haglund's deformity?

Haglund's heel most often affects younger people aged 15 - 35 years. The condition often affects women than men due to the choice of footwear - including high heels, which give artificially high arches, and shoes with a hard heel edge.

- Here we see the anatomy of the foot, and we see where the heel bone (calcaneus in Latin) is located at the back of the foot.

Symptoms of Haglund's heel

The most characteristic symptom of Haglund's heel is a clear bone growth on the back of the heel bone - combined with pain on the back of the heel. There will be a visible coal in the area of ​​the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. This bone ball can be very painful to the touch or by pressure from tight shoes. As the condition worsens, we will also be able to see reddish swelling and signs of inflammation in the mucous sac. This is due to the pressure between the heel bone and the soft tissue.

Diagnosis of Haglund's deformity

A clinical examination will show local tenderness over the affected heel bone on palpation, as well as over the Achilles tendon - there will be a clear bone growth over the heel that is both visible and noticeable. One will also, in many cases, be able to see causal causes such as malpositions in the foot bones and arch of the foot. Other possible causes of similar symptoms are Achilles injuries.

Imaging diagnostic of Haglund's heel (X-ray, MRI, CT or ultrasound)

An X-ray can visualize and show bone growth in a good and clear way. One MRI examination or ultrasound scanners are also useful tools to visualize any damage to the Achilles tendon and nearby structures.

X-ray of Haglund's heel and calcified Achilles tendon:

- In the picture above, we see both the bone growth we call Haglund's deformity and a calcification (increased closure of calcium and calcification) of the Achilles tendon. The calcification is a response on the part of the body due to constant mechanical irritation. We can also see a heel spur at the bottom of the front of the heel - which gives a clear indication that this person also suffers from plantar fascia (a mechanical conditional irritation of the tendon plate under the foot).

Treatment of Haglund's deformity

We divide the treatment of Haglund's deformity into preventive treatment, conservative treatment and invasive treatment. We will address the former later in the article. By conservative treatment is meant low-risk treatment such as physical treatment, exercise, ergonomic adjustments and the like - conservative treatment will not remove the bone growth, but can lead to less symptoms around the problem. Invasive treatment refers to procedures that involve greater risk, such as surgery and surgery.

Conservative treatment fall into the following categories:

- Physical treatment: A clinician who specializes in joints and muscles can help you identify and eliminate biomechanical defects and dysfunctions that may be contributing to your problem. The therapist can also prescribe specific strength exercises and stretches based on your particular problem - which can lead to better function and less symptoms.

- Rest: Taking the strain away from the heel bone and the heel can give the mucus a chance to heal itself, which in turn will reduce both pain and inflammation. Depending on the degree of the problem, a period may be appropriate for avoiding weight bearing on the foot and heel.

- Heel support: People with high arches can have a good effect from a heel support. These can be purchased in most stores and are jelly pads that are added to the shoe to cushion the strain on the heel and the affected area.

- icing: To reduce the swelling over the heel, you can use cooling for periods of "15 minutes on, 20 minutes off, 15 minutes on again", 3-4 times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin, as this may cause frostbite.

- Orthopedic equipment: Special equipment such as a 'night boot'which puts a constant strain on the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia when you sleep.

- Avoid tight shoes: Avoiding and walking in tight shoes and high-heeled shoes will remove the irritation to the area and give the injury a chance to heal itself. Otherwise try to change to shoes without a hard heel area e.g. sandals or similar - if you have the opportunity.

RELATED PRODUCT / SELF-HELP: - Compression sock

Anyone with foot pain and problems may benefit from compression support. Compression socks can contribute to increased blood circulation and healing in those affected by reduced function in the legs and feet.

Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain

Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)

Invasive treatment is divided into the following measures:

- Cortisone Injection in the inflamed mucosa (cortisone can cause tendon and soft tissue degeneration)

- Operation which removes the bone growth itself. In such an operation, it may be necessary to release the Achilles tendon from the heel bone before attaching it again afterwards.

The main purpose of treating Haglund's heel is to allow the area to heal itself and thus reduce both pain and inflammation. Cold treatment can provide pain relief for sore joints and muscles, also in the foot. Blue. Biofreeze is a popular product. One should always try conservative treatment for a long time before resorting to invasive procedures (surgery and surgery), but in some cases this is the only way out.

How to prevent Haglund's heel?

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent this condition.

- Wear shoes that do not put pressure on the heel

- Use custom soles or inserts

- Cloth the back of the post regularly. This ensures that the Achilles tendon stays flexible and thus avoids unnecessary irritation between it and the heel bone.

- Avoid running on too hard surfaces

Exercises against Haglund's deformity

One should try to cut out too much weight-bearing exercise if one is hit by painful Haglund's heel. Replace jogging with swimming, elliptical machine or exercise bike. Also, make sure that you stretch your calf, foot and train your feet lightly as shown in this article.

Related article: - 4 good exercises for sore feet!

Further reading: - Sore foot? You should know this!

Also read:

- Pressure wave treatment of plantar fascite

- Exercises and stretching of plantar fascia heel pain

Popular article: - Is it tendonitis or tendon INJURY?

Most shared article: - New Alzheimer's treatment restores full memory function!

Training:

• Cross-trainer / ellipse machine: Excellent fitness training. Good for promoting movement in the body and exercising overall.
• Rowing Machines is one of the best forms of training you can use to get good overall strength.
• Spinning ergometer bike: Good to have at home, so you can increase the amount of exercise throughout the year and get better fitness.

Sources:
-

Questions asked about Haglund's heel:

-

Follow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to make a video with specific exercises or elaborations for exactly YOUR issues)

Follow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We try to respond to all messages and questions within 24-48 hours. We can also help you interpret MRI responses and the like.)