Your feet and first aid

First aid for an injured foot is much like first aid for any other part of the body. If there's a wound, clean it first with soap and water. Use pressure to stop bleeding; elevating the foot may also help. Deep puncture wounds will probably require a tetanus shot, so get the patient to a doctor as soon as possible. Hikers should be especially careful of snake bites, since the nearest doctor could be many miles away. A snake bite kit is a handy thing to have. One of the most common injuries is a sprained ankle. The most important thing to do is apply ice to minimize the swelling. Applying heat is not a good idea. Elastic bandages can also help, both to hold down the swelling and to support the ankle while it heals. Cold should also be applied to other foot injuries such as bruises or possible fractures. Of course, the best first aid is prevention. Proper footwear and common sense caution are always advisable. For more information on first aid for foot injuries, contact a foot specialist in your area.