Q: What is a calcaneal bump? A: A bony prominence on the back of your heel is called a ‘calcaneal bump’. In a high-arched foot, the heel bone (calcaneus) can have an altered alignment, which causes an enlargement of the bone in the back of the heel. Often, the body will create a fluid-filled sac (bursa) that can push up against the heel of a shoe and become very painful. Cutting away the heel area of the shoe or placing a doughnut-shaped pad or strip padding on either side of the bump can sometimes help. If these don’t work, consult a podiatrist who may use a topical or injectable medication to reduce the inflammation.