Trench foot is an important problem of the foot that is not common these days that results from your feet getting kept moist for extended periods of time. In times past, trench foot initially gained notoriety throughout the first World War once soldiers got the trench foot via fighting in wintry, damp environments in the trenches. Many experts have approximated that greater than 75,000 British soldiers died in that war due to the difficulties from this condition. Ever since then, the need for soldiers fighting in the trenches to maintain their feet as dry as is possible to prevent the issue is well known. Trench foot can happen nowadays in activities where the foot is moist for extented amounts of time, such as trekking in moist conditions for several days.

The look of the foot with trench foot involves blisters, a spotty and wrinkly look with the skin along with a redness. The signs and symptoms consist of coldness, a heavy feeling, tingling, it might be painful if subjected to heat, prolonged itching, and a tingling sensation. Usually the whole foot is affected, but sometimes it might be only a part of the foot.

Trench foot is clearly due to feet that become wet and remain wet and don’t get dried off appropriately. Even though cold can be a factor, it’s the dampness that is significant. If the trench foot is not dealt with promptly it can result in difficulties including the requirement for an amputation, serious blisters, a painful foot, gangrene and ulcers, along with long term sensory deterioration. Trench foot is easy to diagnose in accordance with the physical appearance of the feet and the history of wetness.

As health professionals have discovered much more about the character of trench foot the therapy have improved. During the world war, trench foot was initially treated with bed rest and foot washes made out of lead as well as opium. As the symptoms got better, massages and plant-based essential oils were used. If the signs and symptoms of trench foot just didn’t get better then amputation was sometimes needed to avoid contamination and circulation problems from spreading to other areas of the body.

The first and minor signs and symptoms of trench foot may be easily self-treated simply by removing the socks and clean and dry the feet carefully; applying warm packs to the foot may help promote the blood flow; and do not wear socks at night. The feet should be closely watched carefully for the development of any additional complications. If this solution does not recover fairly quickly or if the symptoms are more severe, then a trip to a health professional is warranted. Further rest and elevation is often encouraged. The quality of the blood flow must be assessed and when it’s not necessarily adequate then steps need to be taken to handle this. Drugs may also be essential in helping with pain if that is a problem. When caught early, trench foot is easily manageable without causing any more issues. Prevention of trench foot is crucial, and soldiers are very well educated in that. The feet ought to be kept dry and having an extra set of socks handy is an effective option.

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Craig Payne Author
University lecturer, runner, cynic, researcher, skeptic, forum admin, woo basher, clinician, rabble-rouser, blogger, dad.