Trench foot is a medical condition caused by prolonged exposure to wet and cold conditions, characterized by tingling, swelling, pain, and numbness in the foot. It was common among soldiers during World War I. Treatment includes cleaning and drying the feet, changing socks daily, and soaking the affected foot in warm water. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
Trench foot, also called dipping foot, is a medical condition characterized by a tingling or itchy sensation in the foot, accompanied by swelling, pain, and numbness. A person with the condition may also develop blotchy, cold skin and have a heavy or prickly feeling in the foot. Typically, the foot also feels dry and sore and turns red when hot.
This problem develops after a person’s feet get wet and stay damp for an extended period of time. Cold water also aggravates the problem. For this reason it was a common disease for soldiers during World War I, as they spent a lot of time standing in cold, damp trenches. To prevent the condition, a person should air dry and elevate their feet after they get wet. Additionally, people should remove wet socks and shoes and replace them with dry ones, rather than walking for extended periods of time in damp footwear.
Leg cramps are common in those with trench foot, and the pulse may be slowed or stopped completely in the affected foot. The person may also develop blisters on the foot within two to seven days after the feet get wet. After the blisters form, the skin and other tissue die and begin to fall off. When the condition is severe and left untreated, the entire foot can be affected.
If a person develops trench foot, there are steps they should take to treat the problem in order to prevent it from spreading and causing long-term damage. The first step is to clean your feet thoroughly and let them dry. It’s also important to change your socks every day, making sure you only wear dry, clean ones. Also, socks should not be worn while sleeping or resting.
The affected foot or feet should also be treated by soaking them in warm water between 102 and 110°F (about 38.9-43.3°C) for five minutes. Alternatively, a warm compress can be applied to the area for the same amount of time. Medical attention should be sought immediately.
It is important to keep in mind that trench foot is an injury to the foot and, as such, makes the foot more prone to infection. Therefore, the affected foot or feet should be checked at least once a day for further problems.
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