Trench foot

Background

• Develops slowly over hours-days when foot is exposed to cold/wet conditions
• Reversible injury may progress to irreversible injury

Clinical Features

• Tingling/numbness is initial symptom
• Foot appears pale, mottled, anesthetic, pulseless, and immobile
  • Initially does not change after rewarming
• Hyperemic phase begins w/in hr after rewarming
  • Assoc w/ severe burning pain and reappearance of proximal sensation
• As perfusion returns to foot over 2-3d edema and possibly bullae may form
• Anesthesia persists for weeks and may be permanent; gangrene may occur

Treatment

• Keep feet clean, warm, dryly bandaged, elevated
• Monitor for signs of infection

See Also

Cold Injuries (Non-Freezing)

Source

Tintinalli