Foreign Bodies

A foreign body injury occurs when an object breaks through the skin and becomes embedded within the deeper tissues of the foot.

When a puncture wound occurs in the foot, a podiatrist should be consulted to assess if an object is embedded in the foot. Often an x-ray is not enough to visualize the object unless it is composed of metal. These injuries sometimes require further studies to identify the foreign body and its location. If a foreign object is left in the foot, it can continue to move into the deeper tissues and require surgical removal. This injury can also require antibiotic treatment or a tetanus shot.