Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time for flip flops and bare feet. The grass can feel great between your toes, but going barefoot or with minimal padding leaves you feet susceptible to puncture wounds from nails or other sharp objects. Today, we take a look at puncture wounds in your feet, and we talk about some treatment strategies.
Stepped on a Nail
In this section, we’ll talk about the treatment of minor puncture wounds where the object isn’t deep or where it doesn’t stay stuck in your foot. Here’s how you should treat minor foot punctures:
1. Disinfect Your Hands – You might think they first step is to remove the object, but if possible, you’ll want to disinfect or wash your hands before removing the object.
2. Remove the Object – Again, this is only for minor injuries, like if you get a splinter. For larger punctures, like a nail, you’ll want to leave it in as removing it could cause further injuries. Slowly remove the object, but stop if it gets too painful.
3. Stop the Bleeding – Apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding with a gauze pad or clean cloth.
4. Cleanse and Cover the Wound – Apply antiseptic cream to the wound, and cover the wound with a bandage.
5. Post-Bandage Care – Change your bandages once a day, and visit a foot specialist if you see signs of an infection like redness, swelling, discharge or puffiness.
Big Puncture Wounds
For larger puncture wounds, treatment is more straightforward:
1. Assess the Injury – For small metal objects like a thumbtack, you may be able to remove the object. For larger or deeper objects, you should leave the object in your foot.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Obviously if the nail is embedded in your foot, you’ll want to get to a foot specialist immediately, but even smaller wounds should be seen by a doctor. Metal or rusty objects may require a booster shot within 48 hours, especially if you haven’t had a tetanus shot within the last five years.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions – Your doctor will give you a specific course of treatment to care for your wound once you’ve left the clinic. Keep the wound clean, change your dressing and follow your specific instructions until your injury is healed.