Trench Foot: It’s Not Just a WWI Problem

You may have heard of trench foot from your parents or even your grandfather, who bravely fought on the front lines of the first World War. While you may have brushed it off as a condition of the past, it is actually still very much present as a foot problem today.

Trench foot, otherwise known as foot immersion, was first coined from a condition WWI soldiers would suffer from standing in trenches for days on end without the luxury of having waterproof boots. Their feet would become pruny and numb, turn red or blue as a result of decreased vascular blood flow, and then swell. Cell death in the feet would soon follow, which would result in open sores, blisters and foot fungus.  If left untreated, they would develop gangrene and amputation of the foot was their only option.

Trench foot, also known as ‘jungle rot’ from the Vietnam War era, is a condition many people still suffer from today. If you’re an avid outdoorsman (or woman!), a miner, or someone who works in ditches and is prone to standing in wet, soggy boots for hours on end, you may know trench foot all too well.

Luckily, trench foot is a condition you can easily remedy if caught in time. Prevention is always key in stopping trench foot before it starts. But if you’ve suffered from trench foot previously, the likelihood of developing it again is greater.

If your feet are sweaty and wet from a long day at work, be sure to wash your feet with soap and water and make sure they are completely dry afterwards. Always carry extra socks and an extra pair of boots if yours are not waterproof, and make sure your boots completely dry out before wearing them again.

If you suspect you may be suffering from trench foot, contact a podiatrist at the Triad Foot Center today to ensure a full recovery. Call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment.

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