Puncture wounds most frequently occur on our feet and hands. These are the parts of our bodies that are most involved in every activity of our daily lives, making them vulnerable to injuries like puncture wounds and cuts. Puncture wounds are different from cuts, so their treatment is different.
What are puncture wounds?
A puncture wound is a wound with a small entry hole often caused by a pointed object. For example, stepping on a nail would result in a puncture wound.
Inadequate treatment of these wounds can lead to severe infections or other complications. It is recommended they be taken care of within the first 24 hours after injury.
Complications such as infection are more likely to be avoided if a patient seeks medical treatment right away.
Causes
The most common causes of puncture wounds are:
- Working with wood or other projects that involve wood splinters, nails, pins, or glass.
- Working with scissors and knives.
- Animal bites
Symptoms
The usual symptoms of puncture wounds are:
- Mild bleeding and pain at the site of the puncture.
- Watery discharge from the opening.
- Redness and swelling around the puncture.
- Pain while moving the punctured area.
More severe symptoms of puncture wounds include pus in the wound or retained material under the skin
Treatment options
Puncture wounds can sometimes be severe. If in doubt, seek medical attention for an evaluation.
Many puncture wounds will require a tetanus shot at a minimum. All puncture wounds need to be cleaned properly and monitored until healed.
In case of a minor infection, there will be soreness, swelling, and drainage around the wound. You may also develop a fever. A medical provider may prescribe antibiotics in these cases.
When visiting a medical provider for assistance and evaluation, expect a deep cleaning and thorough examination.
The medical provider will also ensure that no foreign object remains in the wound. This may require an X-ray. An X-ray can also show if the injury fractured a bone and may be able to show how deep the wound puncture is.
Surgery
On-time and proper medical treatment can play a vital role in preventing any serious consequences.
In extreme cases when a foreign object, like a nail, has punctured a nerve, entered a joint, damaged an artery, or fragmented bone, surgery may be required.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate Telemedicine call, where doctors and physicians are available to offer assistance. So, anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care or directly talk to an expert. Same changes as before.
Treatment for puncture wounds is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.