Haglund’s deformity occurs when a bony prominence develops on the back of the heel, often leading to irritation of the surrounding soft tissues and the Achilles tendon. This can result in pain, swelling, and difficulty wearing footwear comfortably.

When non-surgical treatments such as heel pads, physiotherapy, or anti-inflammatory medication fail, Haglund’s excision surgery provides a reliable solution by removing the bony prominence and alleviating pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, performs Haglund’s excision at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. This guide covers what Haglund’s excision involves, who is suitable, the procedure, recovery, and why patients choose Mr. Syed.

What is Haglund’s Excision?

Haglund’s Excision, also known as Retrocalcaneal Decompression, is a surgical procedure to remove the bony enlargement at the back of the heel.

The surgery:

• Reduces irritation of the Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissue.
• Alleviates pain and swelling.
• Improves comfort with footwear and activity.

It is most commonly recommended for patients who:

• Have persistent heel pain at the back of the heel.
• Experience swelling, redness, or tenderness over the bony prominence.
• Have difficulty wearing shoes or engaging in physical activities.

Who can benefit from Haglund’s Excision?

Ideal candidates for the procedure are those who:

• Have failed conservative treatments, including physiotherapy, heel pads, and medication.
• Experience chronic pain or inflammation caused by Haglund’s deformity.
• Are active and wish to return to normal walking or sports activities.

Mr. Syed conducts a thorough clinical assessment, including X-rays or MRI scans, to determine if surgery is appropriate.

Haglund’s Excision in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, Mr. Syed ensures patients are fully prepared, which includes:

• A detailed consultation to explain the procedure and answer questions.
• Imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to guide precise surgical planning.
• Pre-operative checks, including blood tests.
• Instructions regarding fasting and stopping certain medications if needed.

The surgery itself

Haglund’s excision is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. The procedure typically involves:

• A small incision at the back of the heel.
• Careful removal of the bony prominence.
• Preservation of the Achilles tendon and surrounding soft tissue.
• Closure of the incision with sutures.
• The operation usually lasts 1–1.5 hours.

Mr. Syed performs the procedure at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – modern surgical theatres with personalised recovery support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – private orthopaedic care with advanced facilities.

Both locations are easily accessible for patients across Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas.

Duration and post-op care

After surgery:

• Most patients stay overnight for monitoring.
• The heel is immobilised in a cast or supportive boot.
• Pain is managed with prescribed medication.
• Elevation of the heel helps reduce swelling.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery typically follows this timeline:

• 0–2 weeks: Rest, limited weight-bearing with crutches, and elevation of the foot.
• 2–6 weeks: Gradual increase in weight-bearing and gentle range-of-motion exercises.
• 6–12 weeks: Transition to normal walking and daily activities.
• 3–6 months: Return to sports or high-impact activities as tolerated.

Physiotherapy is recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and Achilles tendon function.

Risks and complications

Haglund’s excision is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Delayed wound healing.
• Persistent pain or swelling.
• Damage to the Achilles tendon (rare).

Mr. Syed uses advanced surgical techniques and provides close follow-up care to minimise risks and support a smooth recovery.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Specialist in foot and ankle surgery with extensive experience in Haglund’s deformity.
• Advanced surgical techniques to reduce recovery time and preserve function.
• Personalised care from consultation through rehabilitation.
• Convenient locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is Haglund’s excision painful?
Some discomfort is expected initially but is managed with medication. Pain typically improves significantly after recovery.

How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to normal walking within 6–12 weeks, with full recovery in 3–6 months.

Will I need physiotherapy?
Yes, exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and Achilles function.

Can I wear normal shoes afterward?
Yes, removal of the bony prominence improves comfort and allows normal footwear use.

Book your consultation

If heel pain from Haglund’s deformity is affecting your daily life, Haglund’s excision with Mr. Turab Syed can provide relief and restore function.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to discuss your personalised treatment plan.