This is a boney prominence on the back of the heel bone or ‘calcaneus’ and it is usually hereditary. In many people Haglunds Deformity is present but they are asymptomatic, however in some cases the deformity leads to irritation and inflammation of the bursa (retrocalcaneal bursitis) and Achilles tendon where it attaches into the heel bone. Patients will usually complain of a painful red bump at the back of the heel.

Physiotherapy treatment for Haglunds Disease may consists of specific stretches to reduce tension on the achilles tendon, the use of a heel lift or prescription orthotic to offload the heel, and/or the heel padding to reduce stress when walking. If conservative intervention fails to work then surgical review may be warranted and an appropriate referral can be facilitated through our physiotherapists.