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You may think that overlooking a puncture wound on your foot is not that big of a deal. That would be incorrect. These types of wounds allow for infections to develop deep into the foot due to the nature of the opening in the skin of the foot.
Keep it clean
Keeping your puncture wound clean will help to hinder the dangers associated with it. Bacteria around the area of the puncture can enter the wound deep under the skin. Additionally, foreign bodies present on the object that actually penetrates the skin may cause the more serious risk of infection. In fact, it is the first 24 hours following the puncture that is crucial.
Infection can happen
You could experience a bone or joint infection, skin infection, tenderness, soreness, or inflammation. The depth of the wound should be evaluated to determine the extent of the risk. Immediate treatment can prevent a piece of the foreign object from remaining in the wound and causing a cyst to form. Most people do not take this type of wound seriously, causing the potential for infections to increase exponentially.
Puncture wound treatment
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Seek proper medical treatment immediately so that your wound can be cleaned out and monitored. Moreover, you can receive any necessary vaccines such as a tetanus shot.
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Obtain the appropriate medications to reduce the chances of an infection occurring or spreading further.
Of course to prevent a puncture wound from occurring in the first place, do not walk barefoot in areas where debris could be present. Protect your feet with shoes or socks to help mitigate the chances of foreign bodies penetrating the skin of your foot.
Here at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, our podiatrist, Joel S. Segalman, DPM, can evaluate the seriousness of your puncture wound and take the appropriate precautions to ensure your feet recover without an infection. Please contact us to make an appointment as we have two offices conveniently located in Waterbury & Newtown, CT. We strive to provide the very best podiatry services and welcome your visit so that we can provide you with an exceptional experience to extend the longevity of your foot and ankle health!