What To Do If You Step On A Sharp Object (Especially If You Are Diabetic)

Today I want to discuss the steps you need to take if you step on a sharp object that penetrates your skin.  This is a common problem with diabetes due to poor foot sensation, and can have substantial complications if not treated properly.

The first step to treating this problem is to avoid it completely.  This can be accomplished by never walking completely barefoot or just in socks, some type of shoe or protective slipper or sandal needs to be worn always, even at home.  However, accidents do happen.

When you step on something and it penetrates your skin, carefully sit down and bring the bottom of your foot into view.  If you cannot do that due to hip or back problems, have someone help you look at the bottom of the foot.  If the object is sticking out of the foot, then you need to carefully remove it exactly in the direction it entered the skin, to avoid it breaking off inside the skin.  This can be accomplished with a set of tweezers cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and a helper can obtain this for you.  Otherwise, carefully limping to get the tweezers to avoid pressure on the object may have to do.  If the object is big, like a long needle or toothpick, fingers may suffice to pull it out.

After removing any visible foreign body, carefully and gently wash the puncture site with soap and water, pat dry it,  and apply antibiotic ointment, gauze, and a band aid.  Reduce your activity, and schedule an appointment with your podiatrist, preferably within a couple of days.  If you have not had a tetanus update in the last five years, you should obtain this from an urgent care center or your family doctor.

The evaluation by your podiatrist to shortly follow is vitally important, as it must be determined whether or not an object remains inside the foot (sometimes seen on x-ray if metallic, sometimes felt on physical evaluation), and whether an infection potential exists.  The puncture site needs medial level cleansing, and it should be monitored for several weeks to ensure infection does not develop.  Redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and drainage are all signs of infection, and should be reported to your podiatrist immediately.

By doing all these things, you can be certain to avoid a more serious complication from a puncture wound, and keep your foot healthy.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
myachingfoot.blogspot.com -  foot pain explained
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.