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Puncture wounds to the foot are often caused by sharp objects such as glass shards or sharp metal; sharp objects such as nails or screws; and also by animal bites. In all these cases, the wounds can become dangerous if they are not properly treated immediately, since they can end up in a serious infection.
In wounds that are penetrating there is a risk of contracting tetanus. The term “tetanus” derives from the Greek and means “tight, tense”, because the infection leads to a series of muscular contractions throughout the body, beginning with the jaw being locked. In general, tetanus is a dangerous disease. If not treated in time, fever occurs, muscles contract, breathing becomes difficult, and the heart races, with the risk of causing cardiac arrest, suffocation, or suffocation.
There is a widespread idea of tetanus infection with rusty metal, however, wounds caused by rusty nails do not necessarily cause tetanus. Because it doesn't matter if the nail is rusty or not. It doesn't even matter that it's a nail.
Tetanus can be caused by any sharp object. Although we will only be infected if we find Clostridium tetani on the sharp object, a bacillus that survives in the open air in the form of tiny spores. Something similar to anthrax and that develops in the absence of oxygen, such as deep wounds. Sometimes the prick of a rose thorn, a badly attended scratch or a splinter is enough.
In this situation we recommend:
visit to the doctor
A doctor will be able to assess the severity of the injury. Your blood may be tested or taken for a culture to determine the cause of the infection. Tell him how you got it so he can determine the best treatment.
local treatment
Always keep the wound clean. Wash the area frequently with an antibacterial soap and then clean the wound with a good antiseptic, for example, hydrogen peroxide. Once dry, keep the wound covered with the bandages indicated by the doctor. Follow the instructions the professional gives you regarding the frequency of bandage changes.
Tetanus
In children, a reinforcement of the mixed vaccine is given within the Vaccination Schedule. In the elderly, a tetanus gamma globulin is recommended. Here is more information about the tetanus shot.
Pain relief
Puncture wounds to the foot can produce different levels of pain. Although this situation is not very common, if one of the main blood vessels in the foot is damaged, you can suffer a lot of pain and bleeding. Bathe the injured foot in lukewarm water at least twice a day for the first two days. Avoid contact of open wounds with hard surfaces until you have bandaged them. Avoid walking on your injured foot if you can, because any kind of pressure can increase pain. If the pain or redness in the area increases, visit your doctor again because the wound may be infected.
Prevention
If the injury has occurred at work, prevent it from happening again by using the safety footwear indicated for your profession and the risks to which you are exposed.
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