KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The heel pain keeping Chiefs safety Eric Berry off the field stems from a Haglund's deformity, according to a report from NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
A Haglund's deformity is sometimes referred to as a bone spur. But head coach Andy Reid said he had not heard the issue described to him as a bone spur.
“I don't know the term and all of that, the medical part of it,” Reid said. “I just listen to the docs on it and he's not ready to roll.”
Berry did not practice Saturday and is doubtful for Monday night's game at Denver, Reid said.
A Haglund's deformity is a bony enlargement on the back of the heel and irritates the Achilles tendon and causes pain, according to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. The bony enlargement often causes pain and bursitis, which is an inflammation of he bursa sac between the Achilles tendon and the bone.
Treatment and pain management typically includes medication, ice, exercise, physical therapy and orthotic devices such as heel lifts, heel pads or arch supports.
Surgery becomes a solution if other treatments fail to relieve the pain. The surgery makes the bump on the heel bone less prominent, according to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society. The surgery keeps patient non-weight bearing for about two weeks followed by physical therapy. The recovery can extend further if damage to the Achilles tendon requires repair as well.
The Chiefs continue addressing Berry's heel pain with pain management, however, and there is no indication surgery is required as of yet.
