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Puncture wounds to the foot are common, especially for people who often go barefoot, and we’ve just about seen it all. Wounds caused by stepping on broken glass, nails, thumb tacks, sewing needles, splinters - you name it. Any object with a pointed edge - regardless of its size - can cause an extremely painful injury to the foot.
Unfortunately, these type wounds often result in very little blood, leaving people to think the injury is not that serious. When left untreated, these tiny puncture wounds can quickly become infected. The object that caused the injury may carry tetanus spores or other bacteria, especially if the object was exposed to the soil. If you notice any signs of infection or an open wound developing on your foot, it’s vital that you seek treatment immediately. You should also always be sure that you are up to date on your tetanus shot.
If you have suffered a puncture wound on the foot, it’s important to visit Urgent Care for Feet to have the injury evaluated and treated as soon as possible.
Why Urgent Care for Feet
We can treat 90% of cases seen in an emergency room for a fraction of the cost.
All of our doctors have on average 15+ year of experience specializing in foot and ankle care.
We provide on site x-ray that is designed specifically for foot and ankle. This will avoid re-taking an x-ray done improperly at an ER or standard Urgent Care.
Frequently Asked Questions
A foreign body in the foot is any object that has accidentally entered the foot tissue, typically through the skin. Common examples include splinters, glass shards, metal fragments, thorns, or small stones. These foreign bodies can cause pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection if not removed.
Signs include sharp or constant pain, swelling, redness, bleeding, visible object, infection, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight on the foot.
If you suspect a foreign body in your foot, stop any activity and inspect the area carefully. Clean the area with mild soap and water after washing your hands to prevent infection. Avoid probing the wound with unsterile tools, but if you can see the object, use sterile tweezers to remove it gently without forcing it. After removal, apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a sterile bandage. Monitor the area for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever. If the object is deeply embedded or you notice signs of infection, seek medical attention. Consider getting a tetanus shot if needed.
Yes, a foreign body in the foot can cause an infection by introducing bacteria into the wound. If not properly removed or cleaned, this can lead to redness, swelling, pain, pus, and fever. If signs of infection appear or you can't remove the object, seek medical attention right away.
To treat a foreign body in the foot, first, stop any activity and inspect the foot for the object. Clean the area with soap and water. If the object is visible and easily reachable, use sterile tweezers to remove it. Apply an antiseptic and cover the wound with a bandage. Monitor for signs of infection, like redness or swelling. If the object is deep, difficult to remove, or if you notice signs of infection, seek medical attention. A tetanus shot may be needed if the object is dirty or rusty.
Yes, you can prevent foreign bodies in your foot by wearing protective footwear, keeping areas clean, and staying alert outdoors to avoid stepping on sharp objects. Regularly inspect your footwear for adequate protection.
See a doctor if the foreign body is deep, large, hard to remove, causes severe pain, shows signs of infection, or if your tetanus shot is outdated.
Leaving a foreign body in the foot untreated can lead to several risks, including infection, pain, swelling, and possible abscess formation. Over time, the object can cause tissue damage, inflammation, and even lead to more severe complications like cellulitis or sepsis if the infection spreads. Additionally, walking with an untreated foreign body can cause further injury or embed the object deeper, making it harder to remove later.
Recovery from a foreign body injury in the foot usually takes a few days to a few weeks, depending on the injury's severity and how quickly the object was removed. Minor injuries may heal in a few days. Deeper injuries or infections may take longer, especially if medical treatment is needed. Proper wound care is crucial for a smooth recovery.
Reviews
This place was the best. Last night I stubbed my toe in the middle of the night and I wasn’t sure if it was broken. I couldn’t even walk. I called and they got me in right away. They took x-rays and put me in a boot because my toe was broken. The office was great and they special in feet yay!
Caitlyn Meyer
I stepped on a piece of glass and thought I had removed it but every time I stepped down I could feel it. I called Urgent Care For Feet and was seen same day and the doctor removed the glass and the whole staff was great.