Puncture Wound: Foot

A puncture wound occurs when a pointed object (such as a nail) pushes into the skin. It may go into the tissues below the skin of the foot, including fat and muscle. This type of wound is narrow and deep and can be hard to clean.

Puncture wounds are at high risk for becoming infected. Bacteria may be dragged into the wound. Symptoms of infection may appear as late as 2 to 3 weeks after the injury. Be sure to watch for symptoms of infection and call your healthcare provider right away if any them appear.

X-rays may be done to see whether any objects remain under the skin. You may also need a tetanus shot. This is given if you are not up to date on this vaccination and because the object that caused the wound can lead to tetanus.

Home care

• When you sit or lie down, raise the foot above the level of your heart. This helps reduce swelling and pain.
• Do not put weight on the injured foot if it hurts to do so or if you were told to keep weight off the injury.
• Your healthcare provider may prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent infection. Follow all instructions for taking this medicine.
• Take the medicine every day until it is gone or you are told to stop. You should not have any left over.
• The healthcare provider may also prescribe medicines for pain. Follow instructions for taking them.
• If you are not prescribed pain medicine, you can take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) for pain.
• Follow the healthcare provider’s instructions on how to care for the wound.
• Keep the wound clean and dry. Do not get it wet until you are told it is okay to do so.
• If the area gets wet, gently pat it dry with a clean cloth and replace the wet bandage with a dry one.
• If a bandage was initially applied and it becomes wet or dirty, replace it. Otherwise, leave it in place for the first 24 hours.
• Once you can get the wound wet, you may shower as usual but do not soak the wound in water (no tub baths or swimming).
• Check the wound daily for symptoms of infection. These include:
• Increasing redness or swelling around the wound
• Increased warmth of the wound
• Worsening pain
• Red streaking lines away from the wound
• Increased drainage including  pus
• Foul odor or bad smell coming from the wound

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised.