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Marcher's digitalgia paresthetica among recruits
M Stein1, N Shlamkovitch, A Finestone
1Israel Defense Forces, Medical Corps., Jerusalem, Israel.
Abstract:
In a prospective study of 30 male Israeli military recruits a 47% incidence of digitalgia paresthetica was found. The mean time of onset of symptoms was in the fourth week of training. The numbness was bilateral in 11 of 14 of the cases and the mean number of toes involved was 4.5. The first toe was the most commonly involved (11 of 14 patients). No correlation between shoe type (either 3/4 running shoes or standard military boots) was found. At 9-month follow-up, 7 of 9 affected recruits reviewed were asymptomatic. This finding suggests that marcher's digitalgia paresthetica is a neuropraxia. In this study, it developed during the early phases of march training when recruits are adapting to marching with heavy pack and rifle.
Insights
Marcher's digitalgia paresthetica, a nerve condition, affected nearly half of military recruits during training. Symptoms often resolved within nine months, suggesting a temporary nerve injury called neuropraxia.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Neurology
- Military Health
Background:
- Digitalgia paresthetica, or marcher's foot, is a common complaint among individuals engaged in extensive walking.
- Understanding the incidence and characteristics of this condition in military recruits is crucial for maintaining troop readiness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and clinical features of digitalgia paresthetica in Israeli military recruits undergoing training.
- To determine the nature of the nerve condition and its prognosis.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted on 30 male Israeli military recruits.
- Data collected included symptom onset, affected toes, bilaterality, and footwear.
- Follow-up assessments were performed at nine months.
Main Results:
- A 47% incidence of digitalgia paresthetica was observed, with symptom onset around the fourth week of training.
- Numbness was frequently bilateral (11/14 cases), involving an average of 4.5 toes, most commonly the first toe.
- No correlation was found between shoe type (running shoes vs. military boots) and symptom development.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that marcher's digitalgia paresthetica is likely a neuropraxia, a transient nerve injury.
- The condition appears to develop during the initial stages of intensive march training, particularly when recruits adapt to carrying heavy loads.