Puncture Wounds To The Foot

As people walk barefooted in the summer months, the risk for puncture wounds to the feet increases. A puncture wound is a wound that is caused by a pointed object. Common pointed objects that can cause puncture wounds to the feet are nails, carpet tacks, pins, thumbtacks, glass, seashells, toothpicks, or needles.

When someone sustains a puncture wound, the risk of infection is the primary concern. Puncture wounds can easily become infected due to the depth of the wound. Regular cuts and scrapes are much easier to clean. Dirt can get trapped inside a puncture wound and cause infection. If part of the foreign body is trapped in the puncture wound and removal is neglected, a hard cyst could form.

It is important to make sure the wound is cleaned properly and that no part of the object remains embedded in the foot. Professional attention, such as at the doctor’s office or emergency room, is highly recommended.

As part of the treatment for the puncture wound, a tetanus shot may be necessary. Tetanus is a rare, but serious disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is commonly found in soil. Whether or not someone needs a tetanus shot is dependent on the length of time since their last tetanus vaccine or booster and the nature of the puncture wound. Lockjaw, neck stiffness, tightening of the abdominal muscles, fever, sweating, and difficulty swallowing are all symptoms of tetanus. If someone experiences any of these symptoms after sustaining a puncture wound, they should contact their doctor immediately.

If the object had deeply penetrated the tissue of the foot, it could cause other complications. A doctor can monitor the healing process and check for any tissue damage that requires medical intervention. Painful scarring is a possible complication for puncture wounds to the foot.