Puncture Wounds
A puncture wound is a penetration in the skin through a small portal or hole. Alternately, a cut is a laceration or an elongated tear in the skin. Puncture wounds are different from cuts in that their depth is usually increased, foreign bodies are usually retained, and the they lack of ability to drain.
Puncture wounds should be addressed immediately by an appropriate physician. Because penetration has allowed foreign debris and bacteria admission through dermatological defenses chance of infection is significantly increased. If left unattended bacteria is able to replicate to significant numbers causing progressive and severe infection including possible tetanus. If immediate attention is not obtained severe infection, and loss of limb or life is dramatically increased.
Some important factors of puncture wounds include: type of foreign object , whether the object is retained , setting or location of where puncture occurred (geographically) , location of puncture wound anatomically, depth, amount of debris present, whether socks and shoe gear were worn.
When evaluated by your foot and ankle Doctor it will likely be necessary after appropriate anesthesia is administered to thoroughly clean out the wound and any foreign debris. This is an important step in reducing amount of bacteria present and reducing foreign debris.
Prevention of puncture wounds is best performed by avoiding "at risk" situations including:
Puncture wounds should be addressed immediately by an appropriate physician. Because penetration has allowed foreign debris and bacteria admission through dermatological defenses chance of infection is significantly increased. If left unattended bacteria is able to replicate to significant numbers causing progressive and severe infection including possible tetanus. If immediate attention is not obtained severe infection, and loss of limb or life is dramatically increased.
Some important factors of puncture wounds include: type of foreign object , whether the object is retained , setting or location of where puncture occurred (geographically) , location of puncture wound anatomically, depth, amount of debris present, whether socks and shoe gear were worn.
When evaluated by your foot and ankle Doctor it will likely be necessary after appropriate anesthesia is administered to thoroughly clean out the wound and any foreign debris. This is an important step in reducing amount of bacteria present and reducing foreign debris.
Prevention of puncture wounds is best performed by avoiding "at risk" situations including:
- wearing appropriate socks/shoegear for the occasion.
- checking shoegear to make sure no foreign objects have fallen inside before application.
- daily inspection of feet morning and night.
- if at risk (diabetic, peripheral vascular disease, neuropathic, immunocompromised) going barefoot should be avoided.
- Avoiding areas that may be inappropriate for ambulation (nails, areas with broken debris/glass, sharp terrain, needles etc.)