\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Trench foot is a painful condition that got its name from the trenches WWI soldiers had to stand in. The presence of physical trauma, bacterial or fungal infections, malnutrition, venous hypertension and lymphoedema mean that some . Therefore, to prevent heat loss, the body . Does your backpack have small rings shaped like the Capital Letter D? Prolonged exposure to damp, cold and sometimes unsanitary conditions can lead to the disease. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This ability reduces the stress on the lower legs and feet. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Instead of socks, keep your feet warm while resting by covering them with a wool blanket. We are all different and I spent a great deal of time on the trail trying to heed the advice of other knowledgeable thru-hikers. It often happens when you have to wear wet socks and shoes or boots for days at a time. Checking your feet daily to make sure your symptoms arent worsening or youre not developing any possible infections. Yes. Trench foot can occur in any wet environment, and it can even be caused by excessive sweating or wearing damp socks and shoes. If your feet get infected or develop blisters, seek medical care. If theres no swelling, redness and pain you should be fine with moderate intervention. As medical professionals have learned more about trench foot, treatment has evolved. Longer 4+ day trips is wear trench foot can really start to cause serious problems. Treatment for trench foot is similar to the treatment for frostbite. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment. Your healthcare provider will want to make sure your symptoms arent the result of an infection or another condition such as frostbite. Does this rare condition affect your child? It's also important to remember that trench feet are preventable, and there are preventive measures that can help reduce risk of developing the condition. The limb becomes white or red. D Loops are commonly found on outdoor camping, climbing, and hiking packs, butRead More What Are D Rings Used For On Backpacks? Adjust your hiking pace and give your feet plenty of time to dry. Untreated trench foot can lead to gangrene. If you suspect you have a foot infection, visit your healthcare provider right away. It is said that as we approach 30 years of age, Saturn returns to upset our lifes balance and force new changes. If youve been exposed to a cold, wet environment for at least a few hours, they may diagnose trench foot. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Next, elevate them on a pillow or other soft surface. While I dont necessarily suggest taking a zero every time it is a rainy day, it wouldnt hurt to wait to take a zero till you hit bad weather, because you will hit bad weather. How is trench foot prevented and treated? This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Feeners 2012 hike forced her to adapt to both the physical and mental challenges of a thru-hike while also challenging her to literally and metaphorically move forward with her life. Your goal is to prevent maceration before it gets bad. A proper examination by a doctor can help determine what stage the condition has reached. The disease is characterized by swelling, numbness, and pain in the foot, and is thought to be caused by changes in circulation brought on by exposure and pressure. In the rest of this article I will explain how I work to prevent and trench foot before it gets dangerous. They will look at any injuries and tissue loss and determine the extent of circulation loss. References Do you need surgery and what, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Prevention | Diagnosis | Trench Foot Overview | Expert Q&A | Tips | Warnings Trench foot, also called immersion foot, develops when your feet are exposed to cold, unsanitary water for long periods of timemany hours or days in a row. Trench foot is dangerous, and severe trench foot can even lead to amputation. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 10/30/2022. Put on clean, dry socks every day, or more frequently if you are going to be in mud for long periods. If the sun comes out after a bout of sock-soaking rain, take off your damp pair and let them dry in your pack while your feet recoup in the spare pair. 22 April 2020. Over time, trench foot can lead to complications if left untreated. 0 Trench warfare was a bloody horrendous form of war, described as "the bloodiest, wildest, most brutal of all." Mud, shit piss, the reak of death together with long cold nights waiting for the enemy, and the sounds of battle made the 10-foot-deep trenches a living nightmare.
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