Trench Foot (Immersion Foot, Trenchfoot)

Immersion foot/Trenchfoot/Decompression Sickness/Sol-Decompression Foot is the medical term for a known syndrome that occurs in people as a result of prolonged diving at depth or prolonged exposure to high pressure conditions. The syndrome, also called sea legs or thorn feet, can cause soreness, burning, muscle spasms, and swelling in the legs.

Trench foot was commonly observed in sailors and divers who dived to depths of more than 30 meters. However, research now shows that people who spend long periods of time at altitude or in conditions of high atmospheric pressure may also suffer from this syndrome. This means that occupations such as high-altitude workers, pilots, mountain climbers and others may be at risk of developing trench foot.

Tranch's foot symptoms come in several forms. One of the first is the classic form, which is usually described by sailors and divers experiencing prolonged water pressure. They may experience soreness and burning in their heels, shins, and soles of their feet, as well as a sensation of “hot feet.” Other forms of trancery foot may occur during decompression after a dive or ascent to altitude. In this case, symptoms may include leg pain, swelling, throbbing sensations and muscle cramps. Treatment for truncation foot traditionally includes relaxation techniques, topical medications, ice and wet compresses, pain medications, and physical therapy. Some foot symptoms can be relieved with pharmaceutical medications. Divers are advised to wear special anti-sea boots and socks to reduce the pressure on their feet.