It’s not what fashion-conscious women want to hear-another warning about high heels. But, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, pump-style shoes often cause significant pain by irritating a common bony deformity on the back of the heel, called “pump bump.” In many cases, it can lead to bursitis or Achilles tendonitis, if left untreated.
“Pump bump is common in young women who wear high heels almost every day,” said Marybeth Crane, DPM, FACFAS, a Dallas-area foot and ankle surgeon whose practice near DFW International Airport is well populated with flight attendants. She said the employee dress code on most airlines requires flight attendants to work in high heels, and their feet take a beating as a result.
“The rigid back of a pump-style shoe can create pressure that aggravates the heel bone when walking,” said Crane.
According to the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com, the bony enlargement can cause Achilles tendonitis or bursitis due to constant irritation in pump-style shoes. Those with high arches or tight Achilles tendons are especially vulnerable to developing pump bump, if...