Back of Heel Pain: Haglund’s Deformity, Bursitis & Achilles Tendinopathy

Get My Free Newsletter: https://rehabscience.com/subscribe/ Rehab Science Book: https://amzn.to/4bqFeDF Rehab Science App: https://rehabscience.com/membership/ Foam Roller: https://amzn.to/4rUTkEi Back of heel pain is often blamed on a “Haglund’s deformity” — but that’s not always the real problem. A Haglund’s deformity is a bony prominence on the back of the heel bone (calcaneus). Many people have this bump and never experience pain. In other words, the presence of the bone alone does not automatically mean it is the source of symptoms. In most painful cases, the real issue is irritation of the surrounding soft tissues, including: • Retrocalcaneal bursitis – inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac between the Achilles tendon and heel bone • Insertional Achilles tendinopathy – irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel These tissues can become sensitive from repetitive loading, compression in shoes, changes in activity, or training errors. The bone may create a tighter space, but pain usually comes from the irritated soft tissue — not just the bump itself. In this video, we’ll cover: ✔ What Haglund’s deformity actually is ✔ Why many people with the deformity have no pain ✔ The difference between bursitis and insertional Achilles tendon pain ✔ Evidence-based rehab strategies to reduce irritation and build tendon capacity ✔ How footwear and loading modifications can help If you have pain at the back of your heel, understanding the difference between structure and tissue irritation is essential. Treating the right tissue — and progressively improving load tolerance — is often more important than focusing on the bone itself. For more educational content on pain and movement, visit:    / rehabscience   Instagram.com/rehabscience Rehabscience.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:23 Shoe Modifications, Ice & Stretching 02:22 Exercise 1: Calf Mobilization 03:57 Exercise 2: Calf Isometrics 05:56 Exercise 3: Single-Leg Calf Raises 07:52 My Book & App Dr. Tom Walters and Rehab Science recommend that you speak with your doctor or physical therapist before participating in the exercises demonstrated in this video. The exercises in this video are intended for educational and entertainment purposes only. No information in this video is to be taken as medical or health advice.