The acronym BDH stands for Big Diaphragm Heel (or Big Diaphragm Heel Injury). This is an injury that occurs at the base of the foot, near the heel area, under the big toe. It is an injury commonly suffered by distance runners, walkers, and hikers who experience prolonged heel striking on hard surfaces or wear footwear that are ill-suited to the activity they are involved in.
When it comes to the anatomy of your foot, the big toe plays an incredibly important role in the stability of your gait. The base of the toes and the heel area form a kind of cradle that supports the weight of your entire body during any activity. The heel strikes the ground first, dispersing the force of impact, before the rest of your foot flexes and pushes off to propel you forward. During a long, strenuous activity, extra torque and pressure is placed on the heel, resulting in the big toe being pushed and pulled in an unnatural direction. Over time, this can cause a BDH injury.
Signs and symptoms of BDH usually consist of pain and tenderness in the area directly at the base of the toe. Redness and swelling may be present with the onset of the injury. Pain tends to increase over time and can become quite severe when pressure is applied. Common activities that exacerbate the pain may include running, walking up and down stairs, and even standing for prolonged periods of time.
If you suspect that you have a BDH injury, the best course of action to take is to rest the affected area as much as possible and to seek professional medical advice. A doctor or physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the injury and then advise the best course of treatment. Treatment may include the use of special footwear or orthotics to reduce strain on the area, as well as exercises to strengthen the muscles of the foot. Some doctors may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.
It is also important to avoid activities that exacerbate the pain and always warm-up and cool-down before and after exercise. Wearing footwear that offers plenty of cushioning, support and shock absorption is also recommended. Additionally, it is important to stay in shape and maintain a healthy diet to ensure that your muscles and joints have the strength and nutrition they need to stay strong and healthy.
Big Diaphragm Heel Injury is a common injury that affects athletes who engage in activities that involve a lot of heel striking, such as running and walking. While the injury is usually minor and can be managed with the right treatments, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure a speedy recovery. With proper rest and the right treatments, BDH injury can be healed and the severity of the pain can be reduced.