Question
Dr. Katz,
I am 24 years old, and for the past few years my calcaneus bone has been progressively protruding on only my left foot. It doesn't always hurt, just when I wear certain shoes that hit it right on that bone. It's not freakish, but you can see an obvious protruding bone...I fear it will get worse. What is this called? How did this happen? And what could happen if it goes untreated? Please help! Thank you Dr. Katz!
-Claire

Answer
Hi Claire,

If the enlargement of your heel is on the back it is called a Haglund's deformity or pump bump.  I would recommend seeing a podiatrist for x-rays and treatment.  Then you can make an informed decision, regarding treatment or just leaving it alone.  That would be hard for me to do without seeing your heel.

See the link below for more info:

http://www.thetampapodiatrist.com/document_disorders.cfm?id=166


Sincerely,

Marc Katz, DPM
Tampa, FL
Advanced Podiatry
www.thetampapodiatrist.com
www.tampacryosurgery.com



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