Standing On Your Own Two Feet

Standing On Your Own Two Feet by Gary Benton
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I had only been in the arctic bush for three days, but as I looked down at my feet, I was shocked. The skin was white and looked like I had been in the bathtub for hours, the skin was that wrinkled. I knew the problem was a result of wearing the “bunny boots” or arctic rubber insulated boots during my survival training and, I had not removed my boots in days. I knew I should have, but I didn’t have to worry about my feet, or did I? While my problem was not serious, I simply dried my feet, applied some foot powder, and placed clean dry socks on. I was going to be fine. However, if I had continued ignoring my feet, I would have had serious problems.

Ever since man starting wearing coverings on his feet, we have had problems. In World War I immersion foot was called trench foot. The injury is the result of the feet being constantly wet (from water or sweat) and it causes tissue death of the feet. Keeping feet dry was a constant problem in World War I, due to the water collecting in the bottom of the trenches. But, trench foot isn’t the only foot hazard associated with being outdoors.

Additionally, most of us, if we hunt or hike long enough will eventually develop blisters on our feet. Usually blisters form due to poorly fitting boots or from new footwear that is not broken it yet. Make sure your new boots are larger than your dress shoes (because of the socks you wear with boots are thicker). The boots should be big enough to allow you to wear a good thick pair of socks and still have room for your feet to move without rubbing. It is the rubbing (friction) of the skin on your foot against the boot that causes the blisters to form.

Both immersion foot and blisters can become extremely painful and they do not take a long time to develop either. Immersion foot can take a lot longer than a blister to occur, but you can have other problems with your feet if they are not kept dry (cracking or dead tissue). Also, as in my case above, keep in mind if your boots cause your feet to sweat when you wear them, or if they fit poorly, you could develop foot problems. Most of us have had minor cases of immersion foot or had a blister after a long hunting trip or a hike. Ok, when it comes to immersion foot, you know what causes it, what does it look like?

Immersion foot is easy to identify and you will suspect a problem with your feet the minute you remove your boots.

· The feet and toes will be white in color
· At times the socks may be discolored from the boot dye
· “Bathtub” wrinkles on the foot, like you have been in the tub for hours
· In advanced cases, you may have cracked or bleeding feet or toes
· There may be pain at the heel or ball of the foot
· Skin may peel or fall off as you remove your socks or touch the foot

Treatment of immersion foot is very simple. If you suspect immersion foot, dry your feet, keep them warm, and covered. Apply foot powder and put on dry socks as soon as you have completely dried the foot. If the injury is severe (cracked skin, bleeding, or severe pain), I suggest you seek medical treatment as soon as possible. In a survival situation, these steps may be difficult or even impossible to do at times. But, if your feet develop problems, you will have difficulty remaining mobile and that could cause serious survival repercussions.

The best way to prevent immersion foot is to keep your feet dry in the first place. There are boots on the market made of materials that allow your feet to sweat without retaining the moisture (Thinsolite ® and Goretex ® are good examples). However, if you prefer leather or rubber boots, then make sure you check your feet often during the day. At least twice a day you should stop and check your feet. Remember, your feet just have to sweat, not get soaking wet for an injury to occur.

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