PUNCTURE WOUNDS - heartlandfootandankle.com

1 PUNCTURE WOUNDS . What Is a PUNCTURE Wound? sewing needles, insulin needles, and debris are dragged into the wound, P uncture WOUNDS and cuts are not the same. A PUNCTURE wound has a small entry hole caused by a seashells are some common offenders. In addition, pieces of your own skin, sock, and shoe can be forced into the which may increase the chance of infection. Another thing that can determine pointed object for example, a nail wound during a PUNCTURE , as well as wound severity is whether you that you step on. In contrast, a cut is dirt and debris from the object. By were wearing socks and shoes or an open wound that doesn't produce their nature, all PUNCTURE WOUNDS were barefoot.

2 Particles of socks a hole but rather a long tear in are dirty WOUNDS because they and shoes can get trapped in a the skin. PUNCTURE WOUNDS require involve penetration of an object that PUNCTURE wound. different treatment from cuts isn't sterile. because these small holes in the Regardless of what the foreign Treatment of PUNCTURE WOUNDS skin can disguise serious injury. body is, anything that remains in the The key to proper treatment is PUNCTURE WOUNDS are common in wound increases your chances of this: A PUNCTURE wound must be the foot, especially in warm weather developing other problems, either in cleaned properly and monitored when people go barefoot. But even the near future or down the road.

3 Throughout the healing process to though they occur frequently, avoid complications. PUNCTURE WOUNDS of the foot are Severity of WOUNDS Even if you have gone to an among the most inadequately There are different ways of determining emergency room for immediate treated conditions. That's a big concern, the severity of a PUNCTURE wound. treatment of your PUNCTURE wound, because if not properly treated, Depth of the wound is one way to see a foot and ankle surgeon for infection or other complications evaluate how severe the wound is. a thorough cleaning and careful can develop. The deeper the PUNCTURE , the greater follow-up. The sooner you do this, Getting proper treatment within the likelihood that complications, the better within 24 hours after the first 24 hours is especially such as infection, will develop.

4 Injury, if possible. important with PUNCTURE WOUNDS Many patients cannot judge how The foot and ankle surgeon is because they carry the danger far their PUNCTURE extends into the trained to properly care for these of embedding the piercing object foot. Therefore, if you've stepped injuries and will make sure your ( foreign body ) under the skin. on something and the skin was wound is properly cleaned and no Research shows that complications of penetrated, seek treatment as soon foreign body remains. He or she may PUNCTURE WOUNDS could be prevented as possible. numb the area, thoroughly clean if the patient seeks professional The type and the cleanliness of inside and outside the wound, and treatment right away.

5 The penetrating object also determine monitor your progress. In some the severity of the wound. Larger or cases, x-rays may be ordered to Foreign Bodies in longer objects can penetrate deeper determine whether something PUNCTURE WOUNDS into the tissues, possibly causing remains in the wound or if bone A variety of foreign bodies can more damage. The dirtier an object, damage has occurred. To treat or become embedded in a PUNCTURE such as a rusty nail as opposed to a prevent infection, antibiotics may wound. Nails, glass, toothpicks, sewing needle, the more dirt and be prescribed. Once you return home, be Avoiding Complications should be aware of signs to look for. sure to carefully follow the foot Infection is a common complication A minor skin infection may develop and ankle surgeon's instructions to of PUNCTURE WOUNDS that can lead in 2 to 5 days after injury.

6 The signs prevent complications (see to serious consequences. Sometimes of a minor infection that show up PUNCTURE WOUNDS : What You a minor skin infection evolves into around the wound include soreness, Should Do ). a bone or joint infection, so you redness, and possibly drainage, swelling, and warmth. You may also PUNCTURE WOUNDS : What You Should Do develop a fever. If these signs have not improved, or if they reappear Seek treatment right away. in 10 to 14 days, a serious infection in Get a tetanus shot if needed (usually every 5 years). the joint or bone may have developed. See a foot and ankle surgeon within 24 hours. Other complications that may arise from inadequate treatment of Follow your doctor's instructions: PUNCTURE WOUNDS include painful Keep your dressing dry.

7 Scarring in the area of the wound or Keep weight off of the injured foot. a hard cyst where the foreign body Finish all your antibiotics (if prescribed). has remained in the wound. Although the complications Take your temperature regularly. of PUNCTURE WOUNDS can be Watch for signs of infection (pain, redness, swelling, fever). quite serious, early proper Call your doctor if you have any of these signs. treatment can play a crucial role in preventing them.. This information has been prepared by the Consumer Education Committee of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a professional society of 5,800 foot and ankle surgeons. Members of the College are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine who have received additional training through surgical residency programs.

8 The mission of the College is to promote superior care of foot and ankle surgical patients through education, research and the promotion of the highest professional standards. Copyright 2005, American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons