Today’s, post revolves around a condition I was completely unaware of prior to communication with a person who’s story will follow this brief introduction. The condition I’m referring to is Haglund’s Deformity and you can check out Wikipedia’s definition for more extensive detail. This condition can be synonymous with the frequent use of high heel shoes [previous post I did specific to these shoes]. I’ve touched on footwear selection before and the importance of making informed choices so you can minimize your chances of injury.

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Here is D.L.R.’s story with bold portions as my emphasis:

I would like to share with you what happened to me:   Although this condition is called a “deformity”, I wasn’t born with it, it developed.  Up until a few years ago, I was very, very normal.  In my teens and twenties, was very athletic with basketball, volleyball and ran track (high jump, long jump, triple jump).  I did aerobics 3-4 times a week and was quite active.  This problem for me actually only started about 4-5 years ago. Initially, the family doctor thought that I had developed arthritis in my ankle (which made logical sense given that it had been broken twice in my younger days – very athletic in younger days!)  I was told to take Advil.  Time passes.  I now discover that the back of my heel hurts even more and a little bump is now there.  Return to my family doctor.  He says that the little bump is nothing to worry about.  Great.   More time passes.  That little bump continues to grow and now is starting to affect how I walk. Turns out that I would have had bursitis, the bursa calcified and that was what the little bump was.  I can no longer do aerobics because I can’t properly move the heel or put that much pressure on my foot.  Even just plain walking became painful. I begin to rely on regular use of Advil, because the pain is so unbearable.  Eventually, I get a referral to the surgeon (waited 9 months for that appointment!) and then am put on the short list for surgery (waited only 2 1/2 months) to receive the corrective surgery on June 11.   And Canada has Government Health Coverage.  I waited 11 1/2 months just to get the surgery!

That brings me to my current circumstance.  Although I should be able to 100% weight bear with my boot on, I can manage a little bit in my house and back yard, but need to rely on crutches with longer distances.  I had another follow up appointment with my surgeon today and I can now start physiotherapy.  I also can now wear compression stockings and start to make the transition out of the boot. I am so looking forward to being able to walk.  With all of my other leg issues, never has rehab ever taken this long!  There is nothing that I have ever experienced that can relate to this. It is my right heel, so I can’t even drive!  I have to rely on my handsome chauffeur (aka my husband!) to drive me everywhere.  But thankfully, Will is a very understanding man.  My surgeon has really not given me much guidance as to where progress goes from here. He assures me that the healing process is complete and that I now just need to build strength in the leg.   Pretty much told me to just gradually work my way out of the boot.  No time line. My PT Initial Assessment is booked for this Thursday afternoon.  I’m hoping for better guidance. I’m also hoping to be able to return to work very soon.  I also work in an office environment, although lots of walking is involved in my job. I don’t see surgeon again for 2 months – that’s mid October!

My advice to everyone, especially women, if you begin to notice heel pain, see your doctor. If you notice a bump on the back of your heel, don’t let the doctor brush you off — I’m living proof of what happens when they tell you “oh, that’s nothing to worry about” — and I naively believed him.  I have been thinking what might have been if the family doctor actually would have treated my condition instead of letting the problem escalate to where I couldn’t even wear shoes or walk without pain.  I sometimes wonder that if I had been treated properly, I wouldn’t have even needed this surgery.  I have also always worn very good quality and well fitting shoes. And you’ll never catch me wearing flip-flops!
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Thank you D.L.R. for sharing these personal details as well as your advice for anyone who may be in the early stages of Haglund’s Deformity as well as the reminder that *EACH OF US* is ultimately responsible for our medical care although we are very much trusting of the medical community to provide us with appropriate counsel and targeted actions that serve our best interests.

If anyone reading this story has suffered from Haglund’s Deformity, knows anyone who has or is a health care practitioner who’s been involved with patients, I’d really appreciate your input.