hello all I am new here but I wanted to ask a question.My mother-in-law has a hard lump on the back of her foot,it is very very painful for her.It has gotten to the point where she can no longer wear shoes with backs on them so she has been wearing shoes that are like flip flops.It is also extremely painful for her to walk.We thought it might be a heel spur but from what I have read they seem to only happen on the very bottom of your foot.Also she hates going to the doctors we have suggested it several times.So if anyone has an idea of what this could be and how to help her please let me know.Thank you all so much bye.

Bone spurs can occur on the back of heels. I understand that they can be quite painful. She should go to a podiatrist and have them looked at.

It could be a "PUMP BUMP" or still maybe a heel spur.


Foot Problems: Heel Spurs and Sore Heels



Description

Heel spurs are caused by a growths called tuberosities which occur on the bottom of the calcaneous (heel) bone. These growths are not usually painful and are common among runners and joggers. However plantar fasciitis in which the ligaments which attach to the bottom of the heel become inflamed can be quite painful and is often associated with heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis often occurs in many athletes such as hikers, tennis, and squash players; it is also becomes more prevalent as people age. Symptoms of plantar fasciitis are severe heel pain in the morning which decreases as the foot is exercised and pain in the heels which develops if the person walks very much.

Pump bumps are similar to heel spurs in that they too are caused by tuberosities which occur typically on the back of the calcaneous; they can be hereditary.

Causes

Mechanical stresses placed on the foot can cause the muscles attached to the heel to become irritated and pull away from the bone. This is not only painful but over time a bone spur can grow out of the calcaneous toward the pulled muscle. It is the muscle pull and not the bone spur which is painful. The pulled muscles and bone spurs can be caused by sports and can often be made worse by poor footwear.

Treatment

Treatment is required for the heel spur since they are painful. The pain of the muscle pull can be treated with dry heat, ultrasound (diathermy), anti-inflammatory or anesthetic drugs injected directly into the tissue. Orthotics with thick, soft inserts may provide some relief. Antibiotics may be required if infection occurs. Surgery will not help since the bone spur itself is not the problem. Pump bumps can best be treated by using more comfortable footwear.

Prevention

Shoes should have soft well padded heels or an insert may be used to cushion the heel from undue stress.