Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooHaglund's Deformity (Pump Bump)

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, 2023). It is often called "pump bump" because the rigid backs of pump-style shoes can press on the bump and aggravate it when walking. Any shoes with a rigid back, such as ice skates, men’s dress shoes or women’s pumps, can cause this irritation, and the condition can affect anyone (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, 2023). When the bump rubs against shoes, the soft tissue near the Achilles tendon can become irritated, which often leads to a painful bursitis (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.).

The shape of your feet is often a contributing factor. If you have high arches, a tendency to walk on the outside of your heel, or a tight Achilles tendon, you are more likely to develop the condition, and it can run in families (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, 2023). Wearing shoes with a rigid, firm back can also contribute.

Symptoms include a noticeable bump on the back of the heel, pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, swelling at the back of the heel, and redness near the inflamed tissue (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.).

Haglund’s Deformity Anatomy

The heel bone (calcaneus) is the largest of all the bones in the foot. The large Achilles tendon is attached to the back of the heel bone. Nestled between the Achilles tendon and the bone is a small, lubricated sac called the retrocalcaneal bursa, which allows the tendon to slide against the bone easily during foot movements (Choo, Park and Chang, 2020). Bursae are found in many places where body tissues have to move against each other.

How to Treat Haglund’s Deformity (Pump Bump)

Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner

Tips

• After taking off your shoes, you might want to apply ice (as described above) to help ease discomfort and pain.
• Backless or soft-backed shoes can help reduce rubbing on the bump (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.).
• Try switching your shoes to see if you can relieve some of the pressure on your heel.
• Heel pads cushion the heel and may help reduce irritation when walking (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.).
• Avoid wearing shoes that have a rigid back (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.; Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
• To help stop it coming back, keep up your Achilles stretches and avoid running on hard surfaces and running uphill (American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, n.d.).

The bump on the back of your heel is bone, and massage won't change its shape. What I can help with is the irritated tissue around it: the bursa, the Achilles tendon where it attaches, and a tight calf pulling on it. My aim is to settle that irritation and take pressure and tension off the back of your heel.

I start by assessing your foot and ankle, the flexibility and strength of your calf, your arch, and how your heel moves when you walk. I'll also look at the shoes you wear most, since a rigid back is often what keeps it flaring.

When It's Sore

• No pressure on or rubbing over the bump and the tender area around it
• Hands-on work for the calf and lower leg to ease the pull on the tendon
• Warm or cool applications in the clinic, and I'll show you how to use ice safely at home
• Backless or soft-backed shoes, and padding so nothing presses on the bump

As It Settles

1. American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (n.d.) Haglund's deformity. FootHealthFacts. Available at: https://www.foothealthfacts.org/conditions/haglund%E2%80%99s-deformity (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
2. Choo, Y.J., Park, C.H. and Chang, M.C. (2020) 'Rearfoot disorders and conservative treatment: a narrative review', Annals of Palliative Medicine, 9(5), pp. 3546–3552. doi: 10.21037/apm-20-446
3. Cleveland Clinic (2023) Haglund's deformity. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25134-haglunds-deformity (Accessed: 7 October 2026).