Understanding Haglund’s Deformity and Insertional Achilles Repair

For many people, heel pain isn’t just a minor annoyance — it’s a daily struggle that makes every step uncomfortable. One common cause of this type of pain is Haglund’s deformity, a bony bump at the back of the heel that can irritate the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.

When the tendon becomes swollen, thickened, or damaged at its attachment point, doctors call this insertional Achilles tendinopathy. Left untreated, it can lead to ongoing pain and reduced mobility. For patients who don’t find relief with conservative care like rest, physical therapy, or footwear changes, surgery may be the next step.

What Is Haglund’s Deformity?

Haglund’s deformity is a bony enlargement at the back of the heel, near where the Achilles tendon attaches. This extra bone can rub against shoes and put pressure on the tendon, causing irritation, swelling, and pain.

Over time, this constant friction can damage the Achilles tendon, leading to chronic inflammation and even small tears. Patients often describe pain when walking, swelling near the back of the heel, and difficulty wearing certain shoes.

How Surgery Helps

When conservative treatments are no longer enough, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to relieve pressure on the tendon, remove the bony bump, and repair any damaged tendon tissue.

At Thrive Foot and Ankle, here’s what the procedure typically involves:

1. Careful planning – The surgical area is marked with precision to ensure the incision is placed exactly where it needs to be for safe and effective access.

2. Removing the bony bump – The prominent bone causing irritation is carefully shaved down. This helps reduce friction and makes room for the tendon to glide without pressure.

3. Cleaning and repairing the tendon – Diseased or damaged fibers of the Achilles tendon are removed. This step encourages healthy tendon healing.

4. Securing the tendon – Small devices called suture anchors are inserted into the heel bone. These anchors hold sutures that reattach and reinforce the Achilles tendon back to its proper position.

5. Reshaping the heel bone – Once complete, the tendon is securely attached, and the heel bone has a smoother, more natural contour. This sets the stage for long-term relief and improved mobility.

Recovery After Surgery

Recovery varies depending on the patient, but most people can expect:

• A period of non-weightbearing while the tendon heals.

• Gradual return to walking with a protective boot.

• Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility.

The ultimate goal is to get patients back to the activities they enjoy without the constant pain of heel irritation.

When to See a Specialist

Not all heel pain requires surgery. Many patients improve with proper footwear, stretching, activity modification, or nonsurgical treatments. But if pain has persisted for months and is limiting daily life, it may be time for a specialist evaluation.

At Thrive Foot and Ankle, we use advanced techniques to diagnose and treat both simple and complex foot and ankle conditions — from early care to surgical repair when needed.

The Bottom Line

Heel pain from Haglund’s deformity and Achilles tendon irritation can be stubborn. But with the right evaluation and, when necessary, surgical repair, patients often regain comfort and mobility they thought they had lost.

👉 If you’re struggling with ongoing heel or Achilles pain, book an appointment online with Thrive Foot and Ankle or call us at (346)-651-3339. A personalized plan could be the first step back to pain-free movement.