Trench foot

Trench foot
Other namesImmersion foot
Trench foot as seen on an unidentified soldier during World War I
SpecialtyEmergency medicine, podiatry
Symptoms
  • Tingling, itch and numbness or pain in feet
Complications
  • Infection
Causes
  • Prolonged exposure of feet to damp
Treatment
  • Keep feet dry
  • Surgical debridement

Trench foot, also known by other names, is a type of foot damage due to moisture.[1] Initial symptoms often include tingling or itching which can progress to numbness.[1][2] The feet may become red or bluish in color.[1] As the condition worsens the feet can start to swell and smell of decay.[1] Complications may include skin breakdown or infection.[1]

Trench foot occurs due to prolonged exposure of the feet to cold, damp, and often unsanitary conditions.[1] Unlike frostbite, trench foot usually occurs at temperatures above freezing,[1] and can be classed as a form of non-freezing cold injury.[3] Onset can be as rapid as 10 hours.[1] Risk factors include overly tight boots and not moving.[4] The underlying mechanism is believed to involve constriction of blood vessels resulting in insufficient blood flow to the feet.[1] Diagnosis is based on symptoms and examination.[1]

Prevention involves keeping the feet warm, dry, and clean.[1] After the condition has occurred, pain medications may be required during the gradual rewarming process.[1] Pain may persist for months following treatment.[4] Surgery to remove damaged tissue or amputation may be necessary.[1]

Those in the military are most commonly affected, though cases may also occur in the homeless.[1] The condition was first described during Napoleon Bonaparte's retreat from Russia in the winter of 1812.[1]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Bush, Jeffrey S.; Lofgran, Trevor; Watson, Simon (2020), Trench Foot, StatPearls Publishing, PMID 29493986
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference Atenstaedt2006 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Zafren, Ken. "Nonfreezing cold water (trench foot) and warm water immersion injuries". uptodate.com. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  4. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference Tactical was invoked but never defined (see the help page).