I have a flare up of a Haglund’s Deformity and it is driving me nuts. This has occurred quiet a while ago so my memory fails me on treatment. Ice and anti-inflammatories can help an acute flare-up but aside from a general “stretching” recommendation I haven’t found anything preventative.
Several sites I read mentioned hill running as a potential cause of a flare-up. I now live on the top of a hill that I run up at the end of a run. It’s a nice 3 minute hard effort that I’d like to keep as part of my training. Am I doomed to walking it from now on?
Has anyone dealt with this? Any suggestions on preventative care?
Std. rest, ice etc. are generally helpful, but you do want to find what triggers your flare-up. Obviously, the bony deformity is never going away (without surgery), so careful with certain shoes: those with a rigid or high heel counter should be avoided. Also, avoid the newer trends in low profile/flat shoes. Yes, hill running will irritate as well since the achilles is now at more of an angle on the bursal projection. A soft heel lift (need it in both shoes) can help as well.
You’ve got an insertional Achilles tendinopathy
The haglunds makes you more prone to it but is not the actual problem
You need a heel raise (as mentioned above) and to avoid stretching of your calf/Achilles (very important) as this compresses the Achilles over the bone and will cause further changes
Find a good physio who is across strength and load management for insertional Achilles problems
Hills are more provocative for these so you need to take care. Best thing to do is monitor your pain 1-2 days after a run eg with a hop. If worse 1-2 days later you have done too much loading on your Achilles in that run
If you’re existing running shoes have a stiff heal counter don’t throw them out, just cut a 3/4"vertical slit on the top of the heel counter. That will allow the heal counter to relax it’s grip on the sides of you’re heel.
As a matter of fact it’s the first thing I do with almost any new running shoe even before trying them on. Also keep the laces a bit loose too.
I’m pretty bummed about this. I liked the challenge of that hill. This is only the second time I’ve had a problem with it so hopefully I can get it cleared up and if I treat it right it will stay away.
It’s funny because I just bought a pair of Brooks PureFlow and only wore them for 10 minutes. The heel isn’t too dropped on them but there is a difference between them and my usual Glycerins. Total bummer. They are really pretty.
How do I find a doctor that is good with the Haglund’s surgery?
My bump has gotten very large and don’t want to use a doctor who doesn’t know what to do.
How do I find a doctor that is good with the Haglund’s surgery?
My bump has gotten very large and don’t want to use a doctor who doesn’t know what to do.
Best to start with your family physician and ask for recommendation(s). Better yet, ask the OR staff/nurses if you have access to them!
Having just been diagnosed with Haglands, which explains the soreness in my left heel. I’m after advice on a suitable running shoe with a low back? I currently own a pair of Asics Gel Kayano (not yet worn) and a pair of Brooks Glycerin 12.