SEAL Physical Training Manual

Chapter 17 Appendix C Weight-bearing foot care
During long-distance walking, it is very important to pay attention to foot hygiene care, especially in weight-bearing marches, foot hygiene care is conducive to avoiding foot injuries.Such damage includes the following aspects:
blister
Bruise
Sweaty feet
Athlete's foot (athlete's foot)
trench foot

Soaking foot disease

Before, during, and after weight training/marching, special care should be given to feet: Wash feet frequently and thoroughly, use foot powder, wear good-fitting shoes and socks, and regularly and properly trim nails.

Before weight-bearing activities, do the following care for your feet:

1) Trim the nails: cut the nails short, cut them into an approximate square, and then file the nails in one direction to make the edges smooth;
2) Use foot powder to keep feet dry;

3) Wear clean, dry and comfortable socks (preferably with shock-absorbing pads), and it is best to wear the socks backwards to avoid contact with seams, knots and feet; do not wear old and repaired socks; nylon or polypropylene insoles can reduce Rub, protect your feet; bring a spare pair of socks;

4) Fully adapt to the new shoes before marching/training. After adapting, change another pair to re-adapt to ensure that each new pair of shoes fits well.

If possible, use the rest time to lie down and elevate your feet.If you have enough time, you can also perform foot massage, apply foot powder, change socks, treat wounds, and use absorbent tape to bind blisters, abrasions, cracks and other wounds.Loosen shoelaces and relax swollen feet.

After weight training/marching, foot care should also be done as above, washing and drying socks and drying boots.After dealing with foot wounds, after a long-distance march, the sides of the feet must be red and swollen, and even blisters, so it is necessary to elevate the feet to promote blood circulation, and wear loose shoes and socks when moving.Keeping feet clean and dry can prevent most foot diseases.Soaking in wet, dirty footwear for extended periods of time after chafing can lead to foot infections and potentially more serious illness.If conditions permit, feet should be soaked daily.On the battlefield, washing feet in cold water can cool down and relieve irritation.After washing your feet, dry your feet thoroughly.

(End of this chapter)