Haglund's Deformity Treatment & Surgery | Dr. Vikash Singh, Karachi

Learn about Haglund's deformity, its symptoms and treatment options, including surgery. See clinical and X-ray examples from cases treated by Dr. Vikash Singh in Karachi.

Haglund's Deformity – Treatment & Surgery

Haglund's deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel that can cause pain and irritation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel. It may become particularly painful with footwear that presses against the back of the heel.

Dr. Vikash Singh provides assessment and surgical treatment of complex foot and ankle conditions, including Haglund's deformity, in Karachi.

What is Haglund's Deformity?

Haglund's deformity is a prominence of the bone at the back of the heel (calcaneus). The prominence can irritate the surrounding soft tissues and may be associated with inflammation of the Achilles tendon or a painful swelling around the heel.

Common Symptoms

Patients may experience:

Pain at the back of the heel
Swelling or tenderness
Pain when wearing certain shoes
Difficulty walking or exercising
Irritation around the Achilles tendon
Persistent symptoms despite conservative treatment

Diagnosis

Assessment usually involves a clinical examination along with appropriate imaging. X-rays can demonstrate the bony prominence and help assess the shape of the heel.

Further imaging may be required in selected patients, particularly when there is significant Achilles tendon involvement or other associated pathology.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the underlying pathology and the patient's functional requirements.

Initial treatment may include:

Modification of footwear
Activity modification
Physiotherapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Medication where appropriate

When symptoms remain persistent despite appropriate non-operative treatment, surgical treatment may be considered.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery aims to address the bony prominence and any associated pathology contributing to the patient's symptoms.

The exact procedure depends on the individual case and may include removal of the prominent bone and treatment of associated Achilles tendon pathology when required.

Patient Case Examples

The following clinical and radiographic images demonstrate selected cases of Haglund's deformity treated surgically.

Case 1 – Preoperative Clinical Photograph

Preoperative photograph demonstrating the posterior heel prominence associated with Haglund's deformity.

Case 1 – Preoperative X-ray

Preoperative X-ray demonstrating the bony prominence at the posterior aspect of the calcaneus.

Case 1 – Postoperative X-ray

Postoperative X-ray following surgical correction of the Haglund's deformity.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the surgical procedure, the condition of the Achilles tendon and the individual patient's healing.

The rehabilitation plan may include a period of protected weight-bearing followed by gradual return to normal activities and physiotherapy.

Your surgeon will provide an individualized rehabilitation plan according to the procedure performed.

When Should You See an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

Consider an orthopaedic assessment if you have persistent pain at the back of the heel, difficulty wearing shoes, swelling around the Achilles tendon or symptoms that have not improved with appropriate conservative treatment.

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About Dr. Vikash Singh

Dr. Vikash Singh is an Orthopaedic Surgeon in Karachi with specialized training and fellowship experience in Foot & Ankle Surgery, Ilizarov Surgery, Limb Reconstruction, Arthroplasty and complex orthopaedic conditions.

For consultation and appointment information, visit the Contact & Appointment page.