Health Alert: Pump bump - wistv.com - Columbia, South Carolina |

(National) May 8, 2006 - Here's another story that could make you think twice about wearing those high heels. This one has some painful details.

Katie Corso is a busy flight attendant required to wear high heels on the job. Now her feet are paying the price, "There were times when I would get up in the morning on an overnight and get ready to go and get dressed and slip my shoes on and just feel like a shock of oh gosh, I am not going to be able to make it through the day with this pair of shoes on."

The problem? "Pump bump," a bony growth on the back of her foot where her high heels rub.

Marybeth Crane, D.P.M. says, "Think of it as a reactive force that your body tries to fix the rubbing of the shoe by making extra tissue."

The condition can be extremely painful and the sooner it's treated, the better. Dr. Crane lists the treatment options, "with anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naprosyn over the counter, icing, a little bit of local physical therapy and some padding of the area."

To prevent "pump bump", avoid heels with a stiff back. Dr. Crane describes the type of heel that's better to wear if you have to wear high heels, "It's got a nice, clunky heel, rubber soles in the areas that matter, nice and soft in the back. It's got a little bit of padding so that you won't get that pump bump from this shoe."

They're not the "sexiest" shoes, but they could be the first step to a lot less pain.

Pump bump also involves tendonitis and bursitis from the constant irritation. Women with high arches or tight achilles tendons are most at risk.

Posted 5:00pm by Chantelle Janelle