I have a bump on back of my heel that is red and has been very enlarged for several weeks. There is an open sore on it that will not heal. (I am not diabetic). I finally found a description of it at Foot.com and am wondering what the surgical treatment of it is. My doctor has treated me and I have been using wet to dry compresses on it for 3 weeks to get the sore to heal from the inside out. Also no shoes with backs for now. He has said that if it isn't better in a few more weeks, than I will need surgery. What is the surgical procedure? I am now noticing the same condition on the other heel but it is not so enlarged and currently not painful, but definitely a red bump. Any information would be helpful. Thanks. Judy D.

Well the "pump bump" is an annoying one. It sounds like your condition has become serious in that it has actually removed your skin resulting in an ulceration to the area. Although the doctor will probably get this area closed; he is considering surgery to prevent you from having this reoccur. The exact surgery will need to be discussed with your doctor because each doctor approaches it differently. Basically, there will be an incision made and removal of part of the bone which is enlarged in your case to make irritation/ rubbing from shoes less painful. You should probably also be fitted for a pair of custom orthoses following the surgery to prevent future irritation. You probably suffer from a varus rotation of the rearfoot, which is a common cause of such a deformity as Haglund's. Good luck.

Foot.com staff member