Haglund’s Syndrome occurs when both the Achilles tendon and the retrocalcaneal bursa, the bursa sac at the back of the heel, are swollen and inflamed. Haglund’s Syndrome is a very common runner’s injury, and often results from sport footwear (i.e. golf shoes or hockey skates) compressing the Achilles tendon. This compression can be made worse by Haglund’s Foot Deformity- an enlargement of the heel bone (upper posterolateral calcaneum). Women aged 15-35 who wear high heeled shoes have a high incidence of Haglund’s Deformity. It is thought that the pressure on the tendon and bursa is made worse by the height of the heel.

Due to similar symptoms and location in the Achilles tendon area, Haglund’s Syndrome is frequently misdiagnosed as Achilles tendonitis.

Haglund’s Syndrome symptoms can include blistering, abrasion, and pain in the back of the heel. In severe cases, the pain can be debilitating.

The RICE (Rest Ice Compression Elevation) method has long been a tried and true treatment for painful inflammation. The best way to heal is to reduce swelling and rest the ankle, the RICE method facilitates this as well as a quicker healing time.

Our "Freezie" Cold Compression Wraps allow you to actively treat yourself using the RICE method. They work to interrupt and slow nerve and cell function in the injured area. Once blood vessels are damaged, they can no longer carry oxygenated blood to the damaged tissue and therefore, cells begin to break down. The deep cold provided by our "Freezie" Cold Compression Wraps slows cell function, thereby reducing cellular breakdown. Furthermore, due to the cold wraps numbing the nerves, the wraps also reduce pain! Furthermore, our wraps keep the cold pack separated the skin, preventing frostbite and keep the cold in the area that you need it. A good plan is to apply the cold wrap for 20 minute intervals, with at least 45 minutes between each interval. Within a week or two, it may prove useful to see your doctor about passive exercise and more active stretching for your injured ankle. For athletes, therapies will most likely be sports specific. Consult your physical therapist if this is the case.

Once swelling has been reduced (after using the "Freezie" wrap for a period of 1-3 days), heat therapy, such as the remarkable Inferno Wrap, warms the muscles in the injured area- this increases range of motion and allows for safer, more thorough stretching.

It should be stressed here that in the initial stages of an ankle injury/condition, you should avoid treatments that will increase swelling, including hot showers, heat rubs, hot packs, and drinking alcohol. During the initial phases of treatment, your ankle should not be moved in any direction that mimics the direction in which the injury occured.

For more detailed information on how ultrasound helps heal ankle injuries, please see our About Ultrasound section. Essentially, with regards to stretches and tears to the ankle tendons and ligaments, ultrasound therapy provides stimulation to deep joint tissue. It has been found to aid distended connective tissue, which is important for stretching- this increases range of motion for safer and more effective rehabilitation.

During normal use, physical activity promotes blood flow through your body. Your body responds to the activity by sending oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to the muscles, joints and tissues. When we are at rest, the blood flow to your ankle is greatly reduced. However, when your ankle is injured, it really needs a strong flow of blood to manage and speed up the healing process. Since you can't work your ankle without danger of further injury, you need to stimulate the blood flow another way- that's where the Inferno Wrap comes in!

Our innovative Inferno Wraps give you the best Blood Flow Stimulation Therapy™ available. The innovative Energy Web inside the wrap creates special energy waves which stimulate blood flow by penetrating through the outer layers of your ankle. The energy waves reach deep into your muscles, tendons and cartilage, reducing your pain as they heal the inner tissue.

An Inferno Ankle Wrap gives you unparalleled blood flow stimulation energy. You simply won’t find a comparable product on the market. Other therapy products cannot come close to offering the comfortable, contoured fit and targeted energy treatment an Inferno Wrap provides. You will feel the soothing, deep penetrating warmth as it works to stimulate your blood flow- we guarantee it! Now you can reduce your pain and heal your ankle anywhere with the comfortable, light-weight, easy to use Inferno Ankle Wrap.

Remember: Always consult your doctor and/or physiotherapist before using any of our outstanding products, to make sure they're right for you and your condition.