Many conditions can affect your foot health, and pain in your feet can adversely affect your daily routines. Therefore, you must visit your local podiatrist whenever you experience discomfort in your feet that lasts for various days or any physical changes you notice with your feet.

One of those conditions you may develop is trench foot, also known as immersion foot syndrome or nonfreezing cold injury (NFCI). Trench foot can be a severe condition that results from your feet being wet for too long.

The first cases of trench foot appeared in the First World War during the winter of 1914 among the soldiers’ feet. But what symptoms did they begin to experience? When the American soldiers began to experience pedal swelling, numbness, and pain, the military-medical authorities considered it a type of “frostbite.”

Symptoms of Trench Foot

The symptoms of trench foot can be divided into two categories: visible symptoms and sensations in your feet.

Visible Symptoms

Apart from the swelling that soldiers experienced, trench foot will also show:

• Blisters
• Red or blotchy skin
• Skin tissue dying and falling off

Sensations in Your Feet

Apart from the numbness and pain, those suffering from trench foot will feel:

• Coldness
• Heaviness
• Tingling
• Persistent itching

What Causes Trench Foot?

But what would be causing this new disease amongst the soldiers of 1914? It’s the same cause of trench foot today. The leading cause of this condition is getting your feet wet and not drying them off properly.

Although trench foot is more common in temperatures of 30˚F to 40˚F, it can develop in desert climates because it results from having wet feet for prolonged periods.  

Treatments for Trench Foot

Can trench foot be cured? Yes. The treatment suggested for this condition includes:

• Cleaning and drying your feet
• Bed rest
• Elevating your leg to promote circulation
• Applying warm packs or soaking your feet in warm water for about 5 minutes
• Taking over-the-counter (OTC) ibuprofen to help alleviate pain and swelling

Preventing Trench Foot is the Best Treatment

Since there is only one main cause of trench foot, taking precautions to prevent this condition from developing is the best option. Anytime you get your feet wet, especially while wearing your socks and shoes, try to dry them as soon as possible. If your feet are wet and cold, try to warm them up with a heat pack.

Pay Attention to Your Feet

Trench foot might seem like a pretty simple condition, but if left untreated, it can lead to other severe conditions such as:

• Amputations
• Severe blisters
• Gangrene
• Tissue loss
• Permanent nerve damage
• Ulcers

The Best Podiatrists Near Me

The health of your feet can be an indication of trench foot or other medical conditions. Your podiatrist should see any discomfort, pain, or visible changes to your feet.

The most trusted foot and ankle pain experts in the Central Valley are Canyon Oaks Foot and Ankle. We understand that it can be frustrating dealing with foot pain, so let us take a look and diagnose your foot condition.