To recognize any abnormal pediatric foot developments, we will analyze your child’s ankles, arches of the feet, and inquire about any instances of cramping. It is crucial to send your child to an experienced, licensed pediatric podiatrist, in order to treat the problem at its early stages. If your child continues to grow leaving any potential foot conditions untreated, more serious conditions could develop.

Initial treatment options for pediatric foot pain, deformities, or injuries include minimally invasive techniques, activity modification, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these conservative treatment options aren’t helping your child, surgery may be required.

During your child’s appointment, we will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the problem, while educating both you and your child on future preventative measures. Our goal is for your child to grow up with happy, healthy, and perfectly functioning feet.

There are two types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis (also called "wear and tear" arthritis,) is the most common, typically brought on by the aging of joints. Cartilage breaks down over time, creating painful sensations and difficulty moving and articulating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most serious form and can be majorly crippling. In the foot, it is a chronic inflammatory problem affecting the feet and ankles.

Symptoms include stiffness of joints (especially in the morning), limitation of joint movement, pain, tenderness, redness, rashes, and/or swelling in the joints.

With early treatment, the symptoms of arthritis can be lessened and managed. Treatments include limiting movement, physical therapy, exercise, anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections, and orthotics.

For more information on arthritis foot and ankle care or to request an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (973) 837-8173!

Causes
This condition often occurs when there’s frequent pressure on the back of the heels. It can be caused by wearing shoes that are too tight or rigid in the heel. This includes skates, men’s dress shoes, women’s dress shoes, and steel-toed work boots.

Heredity may also play a role in the development of Haglund’s deformity as inherited foot structures may increase your risk if you have a high arched foot, a tight Achilles tendon, or a tendency to walk on the outside of your heel.

What are the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity?
Haglund’s deformity can occur in one or both feet with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. These symptoms may include:

• A noticeable bump on the back of the heel
• Pain in the area where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel
• Swelling in the back of the heel or bursa
• Redness near the inflamed tissue

Diagnosis
Haglund’s deformity can be difficult to diagnose with symptoms alone because the symptoms can be similar to other associated foot issues such as Achilles tendonitis.

After discussing the patient’s symptoms, our podiatrist will examine your foot and heel. Additional tests and screenings such as an X-Ray or MRI may help to evaluate the structure of the heel bone.

Non-surgical treatments
Non-surgical treatments for Haglund’s deformity are aimed at reducing inflammation or pain and removing pressure off the heel bone. Though these options may remove the symptoms of Haglund’s deformity, they do not shrink or remove the bony protrusion. These treatments may include:

• Medication such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen that can help to reduce pain and inflammation
• Icing the heel for 20-40 minutes a day to reduce swelling and relieve pain
• Those who have a tight heel may benefit from exercises to stretch and alleviate tension from the Achilles tendon
• Heel lifts to help those with high arches decrease the amount of pressure put on the heel while wearing shoes
• Heel pads placed inside the shoe to cushion the heel area and reduce friction and irritation when walking
• Wearing backless or soft-backed shoes to minimize irritation and friction along the heel
• Physical therapy including ultrasound therapy and soft tissue massages to alleviate tension in the heel area
• Orthotic devices such as custom arch supports to help control the motion of the foot when walking or wearing shoes
• Immobilization by a cast or boot (in some cases) to remove pressure off the heel

Surgery
If conservative treatments do not provide adequate relief or if the condition is too severe, surgical intervention may be necessary.

During this surgery, the doctor will remove the excess bone from the heel and smooth or file down the bone (if necessary) to remove pressure on the heel. Surgery can also repair a damaged tendon as a result of Haglund’s deformity.

After surgery, it may take several months for you to completely heal and a cast or boot may be prescribed to protect your foot during recovery. A walking aid such as a walker or crutches may also be prescribed to you to help you move during recovery without placing pressure on the heel.

Follow up appointments will be scheduled throughout your recovery to ensure that your heel is healing properly.

Prevention
You can lower your risk for developing Haglund’s deformity by wearing shoes that fit properly and using aids such as pads and orthotic supports to prevent friction, tension, and irritation. Remember to stretch before and after exercising, paying careful attention to the Achilles tendon to prevent tightening.

If you are experiencing severe heel pain, please seek medical attention as this condition can worsen if left untreated. For more information on Haglund’s deformity or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office today.