Puncture Wounds/ Foreign Objects in your Foot
If you stepped on a nail, a piece of glass, or another foreign object….
It can FEEL like there is a snake in your boot….but often it just FEELS as bad as having a snake in your shoe. A puncture wound is a small entry hole caused by a pointed object, such as a nail or other sharp object that you have stepped on. Puncture wounds are common in the foot, especially in warmer weather when people go barefoot. The small holes in the skin can turn into a serious injury if left untreated. If not properly treated, infection or other complications can develop. Complications can be prevented if the patient seeks professional treatment right away.
Your feet are incredibly durable, but they are not invincible. If you step on a nail or notice an open wound developing on your foot, it’s important to seek treatment right away. At Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics, with locations in Parma and Rocky River Ohio, expert podiatrist, Dr. Joseph Ripepi, specializes in sports related injuries including the diagnosis and treatment of foot wounds. Using innovative methods of care, including x-ray, our medical team can ease your pain and prevent further infection.
Foreign Objects in Puncture Wounds
A variety of foreign objects can become embedded in a puncture wound. Nails, glass, splinters from backyard decks, seashells, toothpicks and sewing needles are some common ones. Since these objects are not sterile, your risk of being exposed to germs and other microorganisms can increase your chances of developing other more serious problems. In addition, pieces of your own skin can be forced into the wound during a puncture, along with dirt and debris from the object. All puncture wounds are dirty wounds because they involve entrance of an object that is not sterile. Anything that remains in the wound increases your chance of developing other problems, such as infection. Therefore, if you step down on any type of object and suffer a puncture wound, it is CRITICAL to seek medical treatment right away.
Treatment
A puncture wound must be cleaned properly and monitored throughout the healing process to avoid complications.
Even if you have gone to an emergency room for immediate treatment of your puncture wound, come to Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics for a thorough cleaning and careful follow up treatment. Our office also has time blocked out for emergency visits to treat this type of emergent care as a first responder. It is best to have evaluation and treatment within the first 24 hours after injury for best results.
Dr. Ripepi will make sure the wound is thoroughly cleaned to help prevent further infection and evaluate if any foreign body remains. In some cases, x-rays may be ordered to determine whether something remains in the wound.
Puncture Wounds: What You Should Do
Seek treatment right away
Get a tetanus shot if needed (depends on immunization history & type of wound)
See Ripepi Foot & Ankle Clinics within 24 hours.
Keep weight off the injured foot.
