WHAT IS A PUMP BUMP?
A Pump Bump is a bursitis behind the heel of your foot. It is brought about from an enlargement of bone in the back of the heel which is a result of shoe irritation. The area can become red, painful, and swollen. It mainly occurs in the female population between the ages of 20-40 years old.

HOW IS A PUMP BUMP DIAGNOSED?
It is mainly diagnosed with a physical exam and an X-ray. MRI is also used to aid in the diagnosis, if needed.

WHY DO I HAVE A PUMP BUMP?
A Pump Bump can be formed from a boney prominence at birth or can develop do to injury over time. Either way a bump on the back of the heel is susceptible to rubbing from a shoe with a stiff heel counter. This can initially cause skin irritation and subsequently an inflamed fluid filled sac, called a bursitis.

HOW CAN I TREAT THIS PROBLEM??
Removing the source of the irritation is critical. Thus changing the shoes worn or placing a lift inside the shoe to lift the heel above the area of rubbing will help. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication with soaking of the feet can also help.

WHAT WILL MY DOCTOR DO FOR THIS PROBLEM?
We will first use conservative means to treat this problem including padding around the inflamed area, recommending open back shoes, prescribing oral anti-inflammatory medication, cortisone injections, and custom orthotics. If conservative methods fail, we will suggest surgical removal of the prominent portion of the heel.

CAN I PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING AGAIN??
Choice of shoes is important. Wearing open back shoes or shoes with a soft counter will prevent irritation to those persons with a Pump Bump.