Description A stab wound to the...
Description
A stab wound to the foot. These wounds can damage structures deep to the skin such as blood vessels, nerves, or tendons. The object that caused the wound can carry bacteria or foreign material deep into the wound and cause infections. Puncture wounds from animal or human bites are especially prone to infections. Punctures that penetrate through a shoe then into the foot are especially prone to infection, and can lead to a chronic bone infection.
Symptoms
Pain, bleeding, numbness, weakness, redness, increased warmth of the skin.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray may be done to rule out a bony injury or to check for metal or glass in the wound, depending on the injury event.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Podiatry, Foot and Ankle Surgery
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. An X-ray may be done to rule out a bony injury or to check for metal or glass in the wound, depending on the injury event.
Tests:
X-ray
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Podiatry, Foot and Ankle Surgery
Treatment
Treatment depends on the structures injured. The wound will be cleaned. Antibiotics may be started, especially if the puncture is from a human or animal bite. Puncture wounds that pierce through the bottom of a shoe require an antibiotic that covers Pseudomonas since this bacteria has a high incidence of living in soles of shoes. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.