HAGLAND DEFORMITY

INTRODUCTION

A hagland deformity is also known as a retro-calcaneal bursitis, it can be a very painful condition. The clinical presentation is that of an enlargement of the back of the heel bone which is usually irritated by a shoe. This condition commonly occurs in females in the 20’s and 30’s and is mainly due to inappropriate footwear.

APPEARANCE

• Red, painful, swollen area at the back of the heel bone.
• A large enlargement of the back of the heel bone.

SYMPTOMS

• Pain at the back of the heel bone.
• Patients may experience pain when the ankle is moved; this is due to the irritation of the Achilles tendon.
• The enlarged bone rubs against the shoe and can lead to a bursitis of the heel. This will cause extreme pain and can make wearing shoes very difficult.

CAUSES

• The main cause of hagland deformity is poorly fitting or inappropriate footwear.
• The underlying bone deformity may be present at birth; an abnormal shape heel is more susceptible to this condition.
• Skin irritation caused from footwear can lead to a bursitis.
• Mechanical problems with the feet such as "over pronation". Over pronation can be simply described as a condition, which causes your arches to flatten out when you stand up. This causes your ankles to roll in towards each other and disturbs your normal walking pattern. If a foot over pronates the structures of the foot are put under stress, which increases the likelihood of Hagland Deformity occurring.

WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR IT

• Change your footwear. Please refer to our shoes and health section.
• Seek advice from a State Registered Chiropodist.

WHAT YOU SHOULD NOT DO

• Do not continue to wear tight footwear or shoes with a rigid counter.

WHAT THE CHIROPODIST WILL DO

• The chiropodist may request X-rays. This will reveal the amount of extra bony formation at the back of the heel.
• Padding may be used to redistribute pressure away from the heel.
• Insoles may be given to correct any mechanical abnormality present.
• May recommend appropriate footwear or open back shoes.
• In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. The surgical procedure will normally consist of removal of the excess bone.

CONDITIONS THAT RESEMBLE AN HAGLAND DEFORMITY

• A stress fracture of the heel.

AS ALWAYS SEEK ADVICE FROM A STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST.