A growth on the calcaneus, which is located above the Achilles tendon, is named after the scientist who discovered and first described this disease. It is called this: Haglund deformation. This is a very common pathology. It is one of the causes of pain in the back of the calcaneus. Recognizing this ailment is difficult enough. Symptoms and clinical presentation are very similar to rheumatoid arthritis and Achilles tendon bursitis. That is why it can sometimes be difficult to correctly diagnose and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Disease Description
In order to understand what pathology is called "Haglund deformity", it is necessary to understand the purpose of the calcaneus in the human body.
This is the largest bone in the foot. One of the strong tendons is attached to it - Achilles. His job is to bend the sole of the foot. That is, a person jumps, runs, walks on fingers precisely thanks to him. For free sliding of the tendon over the calcaneus, the posterior calcaneal mucosa is provided. This is how the human foot is arranged.
With intense exposure to this tendon, the mucous bag becomes inflamed. As a result, pathological cartilage begins to form by protecting the body's reaction. This process has been going on for years. Cartilage most often overgrows with spiky spikes. As a result of exposure to the Achilles tendon and constantly increasing pressure on the bag, the inflammation intensifies. Along with this, swelling and pain increase. They demonstrate quite clearly how the Haglund deformation develops, the photos given in the article.
Since the pathological process takes more than one month, and in the initial stages there is no pain, it is difficult to notice a small bump. As a rule, until discomfort occurs, no one is worried about the growth. Unfortunately, with a running pathology it is very difficult to get rid of it. That is why it is important to consult a specialist in time for diagnosis.
Causes of the disease
To date, no scientist can say with complete certainty why the Haglund deformation occurs. 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:
- very high arch of the foot;
- clubfoot;
- the prevalence of high-heeled shoes in the wardrobe;
- flat feet;
- wearing tight shoes.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of the disease mainly depend on discomfort and the degree of inflammatory processes. Doctors recommend that you carefully read what manifestations Haglund's deformation signals about itself.
Symptoms characteristic of pathology:
- The very first sign of a disease is a visual increase in the heel.
- Due to the constant inflammatory processes occurring around the growth, discomfort is felt, redness is observed.
- Sometimes a discoloration of the skin is clearly visible.
- Friction of the growth can provoke edema. Often there is a water bubble on the back of the heel.
- The growth itself is not always cartilaginous. It can be either hard or 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 a growth. Sometimes it becomes the cause of retrocalcaneal bursitis.
Pathology diagnostics
It is important to identify in a timely manner that Haglund deformity develops in the calcaneal region. Therefore, if the above symptoms are detected, you should consult a doctor without wasting time.
For the diagnosis, the following studies are undertaken:
- X-ray He is appointed first. It allows you to determine the growth. In addition, it gives an idea of ​​the structure of this education. Using an X-ray, you can determine whether the growth is different in bone tissue.
- MRI If the x-ray showed that there is no bone component in the growth, it is necessary to determine the condition of the mucous membrane of the bag, Achilles tendon and soft tissues of the foot. This can be diagnosed using magnetic resonance imaging.
Untimely detection of the disease can lead to serious consequences. The Achilles tendon can rupture at any time. This situation often occurs even in the absence of strong physical activity. This complication is dictated by the constant effect of the growth on the tendon.
Troubleshooting
If the diagnosis is “Haglund's deformation”, how to treat this pathology?
According to their specific impact on the disease, methods of dealing with it are divided into two types:
- conservative therapy;
- surgical intervention.
Treatment is selected based on the degree of neglect of the disease. Most often they initially offer a conservative method of therapy. And only if he does not help, resort to surgical intervention.
Conservative treatment technique
In most cases, patients go to the doctor with an acute inflammatory process in the heel zone. This is one of the main symptoms of Haglund deformity. Treatment in this situation begins with the elimination of the inflammatory process.
To combat the disease, experts recommend the following activities:
- Use comfortable shoes. When inflammation reaches a peak of activity, don’t wear sneakers or moccasins with closed backs. Flip flops or sandals are best for this.
- The use of ice compresses. To prevent puffiness from spreading, it is recommended to attach a cold heating pad to the bump.
- The appointment of anti-inflammatory local drugs. To relieve pain, it is recommended to use painkillers. It is better to use ointments "Traumeel", "Voltaren", "Dolobene".
- NSAID use. For a quick effect, the doctor will prescribe certain pills. With extreme discomfort, injections may be recommended. As a rule, the following medicines are shown: Nise, Nurofen, Ketonal.
- Appointment of physiotherapeutic measures. The doctor may recommend such procedures: shock wave therapy, laser therapy, magnetotherapy.
- The use of an ankle joint. It allows you to reduce the load on the tendon.
Strict implementation of these recommendations in most cases gives positive results. The disease recedes.
Surgical Technique
Unfortunately, not in all cases, conservative therapy is effective in combating an ailment such as Haglund deformity. Surgery remains the only way to improve the condition.
Depending on the degree and form of deformation, the doctor 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 growth is accompanied by severe pain, swelling and inflammation, then it is necessary to excise more extensive areas. Together with the growth, the mucous bag is removed. 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 calcaneus osteotomy.
Postoperative period
In most cases, patients after surgery are able to move independently. But at the same time they need to slightly reduce the load.
Immediately after the operation, it is prescribed:
- Medications They recommend antibiotics, painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Dressings. They are carried out until the wound is completely healed.
- Physiotherapy. To reduce swelling and pain, a course of laser or magnetotherapy is prescribed.
Patient rehabilitation with the first method of surgery is carried out for 5 weeks, with other operations - for three months.
Haglund deformity: treatment with folk remedies
If a lump is noticed in the early stages, then alternative medicine may come to the rescue. There are many great ways to get rid of Haglund deformation.
Treatment with alternative methods can be based on improvised means:
- Iodine can relieve inflammation and pain. You can smear them with a bump. Excellent results will be achieved by adding iodine to the compress.
- The following method will give a wonderful effect. Initially, the cone is smeared with chopped laundry soap. Then, having washed the skin, an iodine grid is applied to it .
- Instead of soap, you can rub the bump 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 Haglund deformation recedes.
Folk remedies that can perfectly fight pathology:
- Ordinary table potatoes can come to the rescue. It needs to be peeled and boiled peel. In the resulting broth, it is recommended to soar the legs. Add water as it cools. This is the most affordable and effective treatment method that can be carried out indefinitely.
- The beneficial properties of propolis are difficult to overestimate. It has analgesic and antibacterial qualities. You will need a small ball of propolis. He is well kneaded in the hand. Then rub the bump. It is necessary to carry out such a procedure daily. Instead of pure propolis, you can use its alcohol tincture.
- Compresses are recommended, which include: 1 part lemon, 1 part iodine and Aspirin (2 tablets). Compress is applied daily for 3 days. Then you should take a short break (for several days) and resume treatment again.
In conjunction with the above means, you need a plentiful drink. Infusions on birch buds, lingonberries or bearberry are suitable.
Prevention
To avoid an unpleasant disease, it is worth observing several important recommendations and cautions:
- Discard hard backs on shoes.
- For people with flat feet, it is recommended to constantly wear a special insole with an instep support. It is best if it is made to fit the anatomy of your leg.
- If you have a high arch of the foot, it is strictly forbidden to wear shoes with solid soles.
- Active sports enthusiasts need to give up walking on their heels. Hard running is not acceptable.
Monitor the condition of your legs and give preference to comfortable shoes. After all, health is much more valuable than beauty.