Puncture wounds

Did you know that stepping on something could cause an infection? The infection would most likely occur in two to five days, with redness, swelling and pain to the area on your foot.

Puncture wounds happen very commonly in the feet, especially in the summer when you are going barefoot. Most people would not think about it, but stepping on something can lead to an infection if not treated the correct way.

What is the difference between a "puncture wound" and a "cut" in the skin?

A puncture wound has a small entry hole. It can be caused by a pointed object that you step on, like a nail. In contrast, a cut is an open wound in the skin that does not produce a "hole" but rather it produces a "long tear" in the skin.

What can cause a puncture wound?

Foreign Bodies are the most common cause of puncture wounds, most commonly including:

Nails, Glass, Toothpicks, Sewing Needles, Insulin Needles

The biggest concern with a puncture wound is that the wound is considered a "dirty" wound. The reason these are considered dirty is that they involve a foreign body penetrating the skin that is not sterile.

What can happen if I step on a foreign object? Complications are likely, and depend on the severity of the wound. The deeper the wound the more likely an infection will occur. It is very hard to tell how deep a puncture wound is so if you step on something you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.

What will the doctor do when I seek treatment?

The KEY for treatment of a puncture wound is that it is cleaned properly and debrided. It is very easy for debris to get stuck in this hole that you have created in your foot. If the debris is not removed it can lead to an infection. Also part of the foreign body may be lodged inside your foot and you would not know. A doctor might also take x-rays to evaluate bone damage.

No matter what, it is a good thing to be evaluated by a doctor if you have stepped on someting. Proper and early treatment can lead to a full recovery without infection.