A puncture wound is a type of foot and ankle injury that has the potential to cause long-term complications when neglected. For these reasons, at Cange Podiatry Inc., it is our main goal to prevent the spread of infection when puncture wounds occur.
How does it happen?
The skin breaking as a result of puncture wounds can result from trauma as a result of accidents and falls, and is caused by a variety of materials, which makes it imperative to keep clean. There is likely to be bacteria in the vicinity of the wound or on whatever material created the puncture that can enter the hole of a puncture wound.
Complications
Depending on how the foot was punctured, the entering bacteria may be able to travel deep under the outer skin layers of your foot and cause complications. So, if these types of wounds are not disinfected, an infection could result that could entail a dangerous situation because it may not be able to be treated from the surface and oral antibiotics may be required.
Treatment for this condition includes:
● You may need a tetanus shot depending on the type of instrument that punctured your foot.
● A fresh puncture wound should be washed and cleaned so that you minimize infections from any lingering pathogens on your feet.
● Medicated ointments should be applied to the puncture site to reduce the chances of infection.
● Avoid walking barefoot in unfamiliar or public areas to ensure that your feet do not become susceptible to punctures or pick up various types of bacteria directly onto your skin.
Here at Cange Podiatry Inc., our podiatrist, Darlyne Cange, DPM, has seen many types of foot puncture wounds and can provide you with a level of treatment necessary to ensure that you don’t develop any unnecessary infections. If you’ve sustained any type of puncture wounds on your feet or ankles, please contact us or schedule an online appointment. Visit our Ellicott City and Glen Burnie, MD, locations for fast and reliable treatment!