Foreign Body
Penetration Wound
WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?
A foreign body is an object that has become imbedded in your foot. Usually this is a small sharp piece of metal or glass that has been stepped on. It may also be a needle or nail. In extreme situations, an impalement injury has resulted from a nail gun or an object such as a spike or stick penetrating the foot.
HOW DOES IT FEEL?
Pain, bleeding, and a noticeable entry site are all common signs of a foreign body injury.
LET'S DO A TEST!
Depending on the particular foreign body, an x-ray may help to show the location. Metal and some types of glass are seen on x-rays, while plastic and wood, are less well seen.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?
Most foreign body injuries are a consequence of stepping on the object and having the foreign body break off in the foot. This kind of injury is far more dangerous for people with diabetes or other conditions that cause numbness in their feet. They often don't realize that they have the foreign body in their foot until a dangerous infection results.
WHAT CAN I DO FOR IT?
If the foreign body is buried and no part of it is visible, specialized medical care is necessary. Self-care should be limited to applying an antibiotic ointment or cream and applying a clean dressing.
WHAT WILL MY DOCTOR DO FOR IT?
After numbing the area, the object will be located and removed. The site will be cleaned out and any debris, dirt, or damaged tissue will be removed. The site may be packed open and dressed. An antibiotic may or may not be given, depending on your doctor's judgment concerning the possibility for infection. It is important to realize that many factors such as age of injury, depth, associated contaminates, and other health factors play a role in this decision and an infection may result even if antibiotics ARE used. This treatment may be done in your doctor's clinic or may require a trip to the hospital outpatient department or surgery center. Facilities such as these often have a machine known as an Image Intensifier or Flouroscan, which can help the doctor to locate and remove the foreign body with as little tissue injury as possible.
CAN I PREVENT FROM IT HAPPENING AGAIN?
Always wear shoes when walking outside and especially if you have numbness in your feet. Always be aware of your surroundings and any debris in the area where you are walking.
Author: Brent Johnson, DPM
