Haglund Deformation: Causes and Diagnosis

The growth on the heel bone, which is located above the Achilles tendon, is named after the scientist who discovered and described the disease for the first time. It is called Haglund deformation. This is a very common pathology. It is one of the causes of pain in the back of the calcaneus. It is rather difficult to recognize this ailment. Symptoms and clinical picture are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis and Achilles tendon bursitis. That is why sometimes it is difficult to correctly diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Description of the disease

In order to understand what pathology was called "Haglund's deformation", it is necessary to understand the purpose of the calcaneus in the human body.

This is the largest bone in the foot. To her is attached one of the strong tendons - Achilles. His job is to bend the sole of the foot. That is, a person jumps, runs, walks on fingers thanks to him. For the free slip of the tendon above the calcaneus, a posterior-lobe mucosa is provided. This is how the human foot is arranged.

With intensive exposure to this tendon, the mucous bag inflames. As a result, the defense of the body's reaction begins to form a pathological cartilage. This process lasts for years. The cartilage most often overgrown with pointed spines. As a result of the impact on the Achilles tendon and the constantly increasing pressure on the bag, the inflammation intensifies. Together with this, swelling and pain increase. Suffice it to clearly demonstrate how the deformation of Haglund develops, the photos given in the article.

Since the pathological process takes more than one month, and at the initial stages there are no painful sensations, it is difficult to notice a small cone. As a rule, until there is discomfort, no one cares about the build-up. Unfortunately, with the pathology started, it is very difficult to get rid of it. That's why it's important to turn to a specialist for diagnosis in time.

Causes of the disease

To date, no scientist can say with absolute certainty why Haglund deformity arises. Most experts believe that the disease has a genetic predisposition. And almost everyone is sure that certain factors influence the cause of the occurrence.

Sources leading to the development of the disease:

• Heavily inflated arch of foot;
• clubfoot;
• Predominance of shoes in the wardrobe with high backs;
• Flat feet;
• Wearing tight shoes.

Symptoms of the disease

Symptoms of the disease mainly depend on the discomfort and the degree of inflammatory processes. Doctors recommend that you carefully read what Haglund deformity signals about itself.

Symptoms characteristic of pathology:

1. The first sign of the disease is a visual increase in the heel.
2. Because of the constant inflammatory processes occurring around the build-up, there is discomfort, redness is observed.
3. Sometimes a noticeable change in the color of the skin.
4. Friction build-up can provoke swelling. Often there is a water bubble on the back of the heel.
5. The growth itself is not always cartilaginous. It can be both hard and soft to the touch.

Friction and pressure on the joint bag lead to periodic inflammation in this area. However, this process can not always lead to the formation of build-up. Sometimes it becomes the cause of the appearance of retrocalcaneal bursitis.

Diagnosis of pathology

It is important to find out in time that the Haglund deformation develops in the calcaneal region. Therefore, if you find the symptoms described above, do not waste time, see a doctor.

To make the diagnosis, the following studies are undertaken:

1. X-ray . He is appointed first. It allows you to define the build-up. In addition, gives an idea of the structure of this education. With the help of an X-ray, it is possible to determine whether the growth is characterized by bone tissue.
2. MRI . If the roentgen showed that the bone component is absent in the growth, it is necessary to determine the condition of the mucosa, the Achilles tendon and the soft tissues of the foot. This can be diagnosed with the help of magnetic resonance imaging.

Untimely detection of the disease can lead to serious consequences. Achilles tendon can break at any time. This situation often occurs even in the absence of a strong physical load. This complication is dictated by the constant impact of the build-up on the tendon.

Troubleshooting

If the diagnosis is "deformity Haglund", how to treat this pathology?

In its specific effects on the disease methods of fighting it are divided into two types:

• Conservative therapy;
• surgical intervention.

Treatment is chosen based on the degree of neglect of the disease. Most often, a conservative method of therapy is suggested initially. And only in the event that he does not help, resort to a surgical intervention.

The method of conservative treatment

In most cases, patients turn to the doctor with an acute inflammatory process in the calcaneus zone. This is one of the main symptoms that manifest the deformation of Haglund. Treatment in this situation begins with the elimination of the inflammatory process.

To combat the disease experts recommend the following activities:

1. Use comfortable shoes. When the inflammation reaches its peak, you should not wear sneakers or moccasins with closed backs. Slippers or sandals are best for this.
2. Application of ice compresses. To avoid puffiness, it is recommended to attach a cold water bottle to the bump.
3. Purpose of anti-inflammatory local remedies. To relieve pain, it is recommended to take painkillers. It is better to use ointments "Traumeel", "Voltaren", "Dolobien".
4. Use of NSAIDs. For a quick effect, the doctor will prescribe certain pills. With severe discomfort, injections may be recommended. As a rule, the following drugs are shown: "Nyz", "Nurofen", "Ketonal".
5. The appointment of physiotherapy. The doctor can recommend such procedures: shock wave therapy, laser therapy, magnetotherapy.
6. Use of the ankle of the ankle. It allows you to reduce the load on the tendon.

Strict implementation of these recommendations in most cases gives positive results. The disease recedes.

Method of surgical treatment

Unfortunately, not all cases of conservative therapy are effective in combating such a disease as Haglund deformation. The operation remains the only method to improve the condition.

Depending on the degree and shape of the deformity, the physician selects the most effective type of surgical intervention.

The essence of the operation is to remove the bone growth. This relieves pressure on the Achilles tendon and mucous bag. If the built-up edge is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and inflammation, then it is necessary to excise larger areas. Together with the build-up remove the mucous bag. If this is not done, then the pain will remain.

There are three main types of surgical intervention:

• Open method;
• Endoscopic method;
• Corrective method of osteotomy of the calcaneus.

Postoperative period

In most cases, patients after surgery can move independently. But they need to slightly reduce the load.

Immediately after the operation, appoint:

1. Medications. Antibiotics, analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs are recommended.
2. Dressings. They are carried out until the wound is completely healed.
3. Physiotherapy. To reduce edema and pain syndrome, laser or magnetic therapy is prescribed.

Rehabilitation of the patient with the first method of surgical intervention is carried out for 5 weeks, while for other operations - for three months.

Haglund's deformation: treatment with folk remedies

If the cone was noticed in the early stages, then non-traditional medicine can help. There are many excellent ways to get rid of Haglund's deformation.

Treatment with folk methods can be based on improvised means:

1. Iodine can relieve inflammation and pain. You can smear them with a bump. Excellent results will ensure the addition of iodine in the compress.
2. An excellent effect will give the following method. Initially, spread the lump with comminuted soap. Then, after washing the skin, Iodine mesh is applied to it .
3. Instead of soap, you can rub the lump with camphor oil. After this, just as in the previous case, a grid of iodine is applied.

Healers recommend several more effective measures, after which the deformity of Haglund recedes.

Folk remedies that can fight against pathology perfectly:

1. The usual potatoes can come to the aid. It must be cleaned and boiled. In the resulting broth it is recommended to soar your feet. Pour in the water as it cools. This is the most accessible and effective method of treatment, which can be carried out unrestrictedly.
2. Useful properties of propolis can not be overestimated. It has analgesic and antibacterial qualities. You will need a small ball of propolis. It is well kneaded in the hand. Then rub the lump. It is necessary to conduct such a procedure on a daily basis. Instead of pure propolis, you can use its alcohol tincture.
3. Recommended compresses, which include: 1 part of lemon, 1 part of iodine and "Aspirin" (2 tablets). The compress is applied daily for 3 days. Then, take a short break (for a few days) and resume the treatment again.

Together with the above, you need a lot of drinking. Suitable for infusion on birch buds, cranberries or bearberry.

Prevention

To avoid an unpleasant disease, it is worth following several important recommendations and cautions:

1. Give up hard backs on the shoes.
2. For people with flat feet recommended the constant wearing of a special insole with an instep. It is best if it is made under the anatomy of your foot.
3. If you have a high arch of foot, then it is strictly forbidden to wear shoes with solid sole.
4. Fans of active sports should give up walking on their heels. It is unacceptable to run on hard surfaces.

Keep track of your feet and prefer comfortable shoes. After all, health is much more valuable than beauty.