Relief From a Puncture Wound in the Foot

Puncture wounds to the foot are most often caused by animal bites, shards of glass or objects such as nails or screws. A puncture wound can be very dangerous if not treated immediately, as a serious infection may result.

See a Doctor

• A doctor can evaluate the severity of your wound. He or she may test your blood or take a culture of the wound to determine the cause of infection. Tell the doctor how you received the puncture (nail, glass, animal) so that he or she can determine the best course of treatment.

Antibiotics

• You may need antibiotics to kill the bacteria inside the puncture wound. Your doctor will decide which antibiotics are best. If you are allergic to any particular antibiotics, tell the doctor so he or she may prescribe an alternative. Antibiotics not only treat the original wound, but also prevent the spread of bacteria that may affect the entire body. A staph infection is usually a progression of a skin puncture and can be deadly if it spreads.

Topical Treatment

• Depending on how severe the puncture is, your doctor may prescribe topical treatment alone or combined with antibiotics. Several antibiotic ointments also are available over the counter, and your doctor may recommend one. Keep the wound clean at all times. Wash the affected area frequently with antibacterial soap, then use a wound cleaner such as hydrogen peroxide. Once the cleaner dries, apply a topical ointment and keep the wound covered. Your doctor may supply you with some wound dressings or suggest ones to buy at a store. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully when it comes to frequency of changing the dressings.

Tetanus Shot

• Tetanus bacteria live in manure and saliva as well as in soil and dust so nails, teeth or any other sharp objects that cause the wound potentially can cause infections. One of the most serious conditions resulting from tetanus bacteria is lockjaw. This causes tightening of the body's muscles, including the jaw, and those who suffer from this may not be able to open their mouths. Respiratory muscles also may be affected, and irreversible brain damage or death may result from suffocation.

Soothe The Pain

• Puncture wounds to the foot can cause varying degrees of pain. You may experience a lot of bleeding and pain if a major blood vessel was punctured, but that rarely happens on feet. Soak the injured foot in a warm bath at least twice a day for the first two days. Do not allow the open wound to make contact with a hard surface until you have wrapped a bandage around it. Avoid walking on the injured foot as much as possible, as any pressure to the punctured area can increase pain. If the wound's pain remains the same or worsens or if you see an increase in redness and swelling, you need to see a doctor, as the wound may be infected.