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How Can Numbness In The Toes And Swelling In The Ankles And Feet Be Treated After Walking For Too Long In The Wet Snow?

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Posted on Wed, 9 Feb 2022
Question: I was backpacking in Iceland last week. My feet were constantly wet from walking through snow, wading rivers, etc. My toes still feel partly numb, and my ankles and feet are swollen.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Symptoms related to wetness of the feet and walking.Follow the advice below

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Your symptoms seem to be related to trench foot.
It is caused when feet get wet constantly.This influence the blood circulation and nerve function.

Some advice that I can give to you are:     
- Take anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen 400 mg which will help with the swelling
- Elevate the feet
- Clean and dry the area frequently
- Don't use socks if possible
- Use heat pads to help the blood circulation
- Rest

The symptoms will disappear in a few days if you follow the advice, so don't worry.

Hope my answer was helpful. If you have any other question Ill be glad to help.
Regards,     
Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi
General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (37 minutes later)
No possibility of frost bite? My feet felt like blocks at times after hiking though miles of snow on top of glaciers. My feet are clean and dry. I have not been wearing socks. I can walk fine, but my toes definitely feel stiff, and my ankle bones are barely visible due to the swelling.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Frost bite usually occurs in the extremities,especially toes.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

If you have walked through miles of snow as you mentioned in the query,yes,there is a chance of frost bite.Frost bite usually occurs in the extremities, especially toes.
The advice that I can give to you are the same.
The most important thing in this case is rest and keeping your feet warm and dry to help blood circulation.
If you see changes in the color of your feet, especially black color you should go to the emergency room for further evaluation.

Take care,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 13568 Questions

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How Can Numbness In The Toes And Swelling In The Ankles And Feet Be Treated After Walking For Too Long In The Wet Snow?

Brief Answer: Symptoms related to wetness of the feet and walking.Follow the advice below Detailed Answer: Hello, Your symptoms seem to be related to trench foot. It is caused when feet get wet constantly.This influence the blood circulation and nerve function. Some advice that I can give to you are: - Take anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen 400 mg which will help with the swelling - Elevate the feet - Clean and dry the area frequently - Don't use socks if possible - Use heat pads to help the blood circulation - Rest The symptoms will disappear in a few days if you follow the advice, so don't worry. Hope my answer was helpful. If you have any other question Ill be glad to help. Regards, Dr. Dorina Gurabardhi General & Family Physician