Naples, FL — It’s not what fashion-conscious women want to hear—another warning about high heels.
“Pump bump”
But according to a Dr. Lam, foot and ankle surgeon, pump-style shoes often cause significant pain by irritating a common bony deformity on the back of the heel called ‘pump bump.’ In many cases, it can lead to bursitis or Achilles tendonitis if left untreated.
“Pump bump is common in young women who wear high heels almost every day,” says Dr. Kevin Lam, DPM, FACFAS, DABLES, DABPS with 7 centers throughout Lee and Collier county . He is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS).
“The rigid back of a pump-style shoe can create pressure that aggravates the heel bone when walking,” says Dr. Lam.
According to the ACFAS Consumer Web site, FootHealthFacts.org, the bump or bony protrusion is a hereditary deformity that can cause Achilles tendonitis or bursitis due to constant irritation from pump-style shoes. Those with high arches or tight Achilles tendons are especially vulnerable to developing pump bump if they work in high heels.
The medical term for the disorder is Haglund’s deformity. In addition to the noticeable bump, symptoms include pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel, swelling in the back of
Haglund’s deformity
the heel and redness in the area.
In most women, doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the pain and inflammation. This does not, however, get rid of the bony protrusion. Dr. Lam says icing the back of the heel reduces swelling, and stretching exercises can relieve tension in the Achilles. Long-term, it’s best to avoid wearing high heels, if possible.
“When the dress code requires high heels, I tell my female patients to try heel lifts to decrease pressure on the heel,” says Dr. Lam. “Or, I recommend they wear appropriate dress shoes that have soft backs or are backless.”
Women with foot pain can contact Dr. Lam’s office at (239) 430 3668. For more information on “pump bump” and other foot and ankle conditions, visit FootHealthFacts.org or NaplesPodiatrist.com
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Serving Southwest Florida Since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties. Offering pediatric to geriatric family care: Ingrown Toenails, Heel Pain, Bunions, Foot / Ankle Arthritis Pain, Plantar Fasciitis, Foot / Ankle Surgery, Custom Orthotics, and Diabetic Wound Care. In office X-rays, ultrasounds, and minor surgical suite exam rooms. Practice powered by EMR and advanced technologies. Home of the Lam Minimal Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery! Come Discover Why Patients Love Our 5-Star Foot & Ankle Care! Same Day Appointments! Easy Online Appointment Scheduling!
