A pump bump is a variant of Haglund’s deformity, a congenital prominence at the posterior (back) superior (higher) aspect of the calcaneous (heel) where there is inflammation near the insertion of the Achilles tendon. It is sometimes called a retrocalcaneal bursisits (see Calcaneal Insertionitis or Retrocalcaneal Bursitis) but the difference is that a pump bump is on one side of the Achilles tendon while the retrocalcaneal is on both sides. It can also occur at the throat line where the foot meets the shoe just beyond the toes (see Dorsal Foot Exostosis).
Contrasted with an oxford or strap shoe, high heels and pumps don’t have anything to hold them on to the foot. To prevent heel slippage, the pattern has to be cut higher in back and the last requires more back curve to grip the heel. In front, the last has to be shallower and the throat line snugger, also to grip the shoe on the foot. This lends itself to causing problems with those with the congenital prominance.
Other names or similar foot conditions:
- Retrocalcaneal bursitis
- Haglund’s deformity
Symptoms:
- Swollen and/or bony prominences in heel or at throat line
- Pain at these points
Signs to look for:
- Nearly always seen in women vs. men
- History of pump wear
- Noticeable bumps in one or both or these areas
Possible Causes:
- Congenital predisposition
- Friction from shoes that rub in these areas
Goals:
- Eliminate the bump by removing pressures at the sites
How We Help:
Arch Supports:
- BioOrthotic exercising support with metatarsal lift
- Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal arch support for use when shoes cannot accommodate the BioOrthotic exercising support
Shoes:
- Extra depth, double or triple depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and connecting shank with the accommodations in “Other” below
- Smart footwear, such as heel to toe rockers, negative heel footwear, non-flexible forefoot shoes or shoes with titanium springs with the accommodations in “Other” below
- Open back shoes like mules or those with only a strap at the back
- Ideally, pumps and heels should be worn for short periods of time only vs. every day and/or all day
Other:
- Rubber heel lift can lift heel above the area rubbing at the heel (wear in both shoes) but discard when inflammation resolves so Achilles tendon is not shortened on a long term basis
- Spot stretch at heel with ball and ring stretcher
This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care. The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below. Copyright 2005-2010 Carole Romig
Sources Image: NSRA, PFA, AOFAS, When the Shoes Fits Text: D. Janisse, CPed, Editor, Introduction to Pedorthics, PFA, Professional Shoe Fitting (Pedorthic Footwear Association), B. Meanwell, CPed, A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics