Haglund's Affliction, also known as Haglund's Heel

Haglund's disease is an uncommon, yet relatively common movement organ pathology that belongs to a large group of disorders known as bone marrow infarcts. In this case, we are dealing with the death of a foot bone tumor, located, as the name suggests, on the surface of the foot bone. The disease process starts with the gradual destruction of the subcortical layer of bone tissue, which over time leads to the exposure of the entire bone surface. Consequently, the foot becomes more susceptible to abrasion during movement, leading to a slow destruction of its structure and a deformation of its posterior surface. This, in turn, results in the development of a severe inflammatory state, the main symptom of which is strong pain in the affected area. This pathology usually occurs in physically active individuals, as well as in children during growth, when bone growth has not yet been completed. Women aged 15 to 35 are also prone to developing Haglund's heel. Haglund-Sever disease is a condition that can affect both heels simultaneously, although most cases occur individually. This model of foot bone deformity is usually the result of long-term and excessive pressure on the foot bone. A large part is due to physical exertion, especially running, soccer, or dancing. Haglund's heel can also occur due to foot injuries and the use of improperly fitted footwear, which is often too tight or too hard. In addition to the above causes, foot bone deformity can also be caused by growth disorders of the bone in the heel area or by insufficient development of the foot bone tumor, which leads to its localization below the Achilles tendon. It is also worth mentioning that there is a group of risk factors such as obesity, flat feet, rheumatoid arthritis or hormonal disorders, which are not infrequently the cause of the development of this problem.

The fundamental symptom of Haglund's condition is severe painful disorders within the heel. The pain is primarily pulsating and increasing in nature, which is directly related to its location on the heel bone. The consequence of this is a gradual deterioration of the mobility of the lower leg, the development of pathological walking and movement patterns, as well as the inability to fully support the foot on the ground. The pain is typically so intense that those injured often have trouble putting on and wearing footwear. Furthermore, the surface of the heel affected by the disease may develop swelling, blisters, and burning skin thickenings. The entire heel may have a distorted shape due to the inflammatory state. It is also worth mentioning that progressive irritation of the heel spur can lead to the degeneration of other structures - such as bursae or Achilles tendon.

Alarming painful symptoms in the calcaneus area may be indicative not only of Haglund's disease, but also of other pathological conditions. To avoid misdiagnosis, it is recommended to perform an RTG test prior to the initiation of treatment. The detection of changes in the character of a femoral tumor indicates the presence of Haglund's disease. This condition is commonly distinguished from acute femoral injury, injuries to the femoral artery, or degenerative changes in the bone of the femur.