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TRENCH FOOT

Trench foot is caused by prolonged exposure of the feet to dampness, wetness and cold.  The affected feet become blue or red, edematous (swollen) and blistered.  If untreated, gangrene may develop.  Even if treated, there can be permanent residual nerve damage.

This is a condition that was notorious in previous war times and even today is an issue in the armed forces.  Special care is taken for looking at feet regularly during rigorous conditions to ensure that boots and feet dry out in the course of a day.  It is a risk for anyone who works or participates in recreational activities where feet and shoes stay wet and cold over too long a period.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Immersion foot

Symptoms:

• Feet become blue or red
• Swollen feet
• Blistering

Signs to look for:

• Recent history of feet being in wet, damp shoes for a prolong period

Possible Causes:

• Wet, damp and cold conditions where the feet are allowed to dry at reasonable intervals.

Goals:

• Diagnosis and treatment as necessary
• Footwear and skin care to accommodate moisture
• Footwear and skin care to prevent bacterial or fungal side effects
• Allow feet and shoes to dry out over the course of a day
• Reduce shearing and other motions in shoes that can injure feet further

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift
• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoes with firm heel counter, rocker sole, high toe box and steel shank
• Waterproof shoes or boots if working or being in conditions where this is an issue

Other: 

• Copper socks
• Synthetic socks that wick moisture away from skin
• Place cedar shoe trees in shoes after each wearing so shoes always fully dry out
• Anti-perspirant for feet
• Follow blister prevention protocol for weight bearing exercising

Activities:

• If engaging in work or recreational activities where these conditions exist:
• Carry extra socks and towels and dry feet and change socks at regular intervals
• Own at least 2 pairs of shoes for these activities so there can be daily rotation of shoes in case shoes do not dry out overnight (some shoes can require up to 48 hours to dry even with cedar shoe trees and depending upon conditions)
• Switch shoes and change socks when stopping work or the more rigorous activity

This information does not constitute a diagnosis of your condition and does not take the place of a doctor’s care.  The information has been compiled from sources available to the general public and referenced below.  Copyright 2005 Carole Romig

Sources   Image: MyFootShop.com  Text: MyFootShop.com, A. Decker, S. Albert, Contemporary Pedorthics