What are the dangers of foot puncture wounds. How can an Idaho podiatrist diagnose and treat puncture wounds. What are the potential complications of untreated puncture wounds. When should you seek medical attention for a foot puncture wound.

The Nature and Risks of Foot Puncture Wounds

Foot puncture wounds are injuries caused by sharp objects penetrating the skin and underlying tissues of the foot. These injuries can be more dangerous than they appear at first glance, requiring prompt medical attention to prevent potential complications.

Common causes of foot puncture wounds include:

• Stepping on nails
• Broken glass shards
• Toothpicks
• Needles
• Other sharp debris

Unlike cuts, which are typically wider and shallower, puncture wounds are characterized by their depth and narrow entry point. This unique nature makes them particularly susceptible to infection and other complications.

Why are puncture wounds potentially dangerous?

Puncture wounds pose several risks due to their specific characteristics:

1. Deep tissue penetration: The depth of the wound can lead to damage of underlying structures, including nerves, blood vessels, and tendons.
2. Bacterial introduction: The narrow opening can trap bacteria deep within the wound, increasing infection risk.
3. Difficulty in cleaning: The small entry point makes thorough cleaning challenging, further elevating infection risk.
4. Foreign body retention: Parts of the penetrating object may remain lodged in the wound, causing ongoing irritation and infection.

Recognizing the Signs of a Serious Foot Puncture Wound

While all puncture wounds warrant attention, certain symptoms indicate a more serious injury requiring immediate medical care:

• Persistent bleeding
• Severe pain or pain that worsens over time
• Redness or warmth spreading from the wound site
• Swelling or pus discharge
• Fever or chills
• Numbness or tingling in the affected area

If you experience any of these symptoms following a foot puncture wound, it’s crucial to seek professional medical attention promptly.

Can you treat a minor foot puncture wound at home?

For minor puncture wounds, you can take the following steps at home:

1. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water
2. Apply an antibiotic ointment
3. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage
4. Change the bandage daily or when it becomes wet or dirty
5. Monitor the wound for signs of infection

However, if you’re unsure about the severity of the wound or if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.

The Role of Podiatrists in Treating Foot Puncture Wounds

Podiatrists, such as Dr. Matt Wettstein in Idaho, specialize in foot and ankle care, making them ideally suited to treat foot puncture wounds. These medical professionals can provide comprehensive care, from initial assessment to long-term follow-up.

How does a podiatrist diagnose a foot puncture wound?

A podiatrist will typically follow these steps to diagnose a foot puncture wound:

1. Physical examination: Carefully inspect the wound and surrounding area
2. Medical history review: Gather information about the injury and your overall health
3. Imaging tests: Order X-rays or other imaging studies if necessary to check for foreign objects or bone damage
4. Neurological assessment: Test for any signs of nerve damage
5. Vascular evaluation: Check blood flow in the affected area

This comprehensive approach allows for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment Options for Foot Puncture Wounds

The treatment for a foot puncture wound can vary depending on its severity and location. A podiatrist may recommend one or more of the following treatments:

• Wound cleaning and debridement
• Antibiotic therapy (oral or topical)
• Tetanus vaccination or booster
• Pain management
• Wound dressing and care instructions
• Surgical intervention (in severe cases)

What does wound debridement involve?

Wound debridement is a crucial step in treating puncture wounds. It involves:

1. Removing any foreign material from the wound
2. Cleaning out dead or infected tissue
3. Promoting healthy tissue growth
4. Reducing the risk of infection

This procedure may be performed using various methods, including surgical, enzymatic, or mechanical debridement, depending on the wound’s characteristics and the patient’s overall health.

Potential Complications of Untreated Foot Puncture Wounds

Failing to properly treat a foot puncture wound can lead to serious complications, including:

• Infection: Bacterial growth in the wound can lead to cellulitis or abscess formation
• Tetanus: A serious bacterial infection affecting the nervous system
• Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone
• Sepsis: A life-threatening systemic infection
• Chronic pain: Persistent discomfort due to nerve damage or improper healing
• Reduced mobility: Difficulty walking or performing daily activities

How can you prevent complications from a foot puncture wound?

To minimize the risk of complications, follow these steps:

1. Seek prompt medical attention, especially for deep or dirty wounds
2. Keep the wound clean and covered
3. Follow your podiatrist’s treatment plan carefully
4. Monitor the wound for signs of infection
5. Avoid walking barefoot in areas where sharp objects may be present

Recovery and Aftercare for Foot Puncture Wounds

The recovery period for a foot puncture wound can vary depending on its severity and the individual’s overall health. However, proper aftercare is crucial for optimal healing and preventing complications.

What steps should you take during the recovery process?

To promote healing and prevent complications, follow these aftercare steps:

• Keep weight off the affected foot as directed by your podiatrist
• Change wound dressings as instructed
• Take prescribed medications, including antibiotics, as directed
• Attend all follow-up appointments with your podiatrist
• Report any new or worsening symptoms promptly
• Gradually resume normal activities as advised by your healthcare provider

Remember, even minor puncture wounds can develop complications if not properly cared for. When in doubt, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional.

When to Seek Emergency Care for a Foot Puncture Wound

While many foot puncture wounds can be treated in a podiatrist’s office, some situations require immediate emergency care. Understanding when to seek emergency treatment can be crucial in preventing severe complications.

In which situations should you go to the emergency room?

Seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:

• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe pain that doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relievers
• Signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus discharge
• Fever or chills
• Numbness or tingling that extends beyond the immediate wound area
• Suspicion that a piece of the object remains in the wound
• Exposure to rusty objects or dirty environments, especially if your tetanus shot isn’t up to date

In these cases, prompt medical attention can help prevent serious complications and ensure proper treatment.

Preventing Foot Puncture Wounds: Tips and Best Practices

While it’s not always possible to prevent accidents, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of experiencing a foot puncture wound. By implementing these preventive measures, you can protect your feet and avoid potentially serious injuries.

How can you protect your feet from puncture wounds?

Consider the following preventive strategies:

1. Wear appropriate footwear: Always wear shoes when walking outdoors, especially in areas where sharp objects may be present.
2. Inspect your environment: Be aware of your surroundings and look out for potential hazards.
3. Clean up debris: Regularly clean outdoor areas to remove sharp objects like nails, glass, or other debris.
4. Use caution in high-risk areas: Be extra careful when walking on construction sites, beaches, or other areas where sharp objects are common.
5. Teach children about foot safety: Educate children about the importance of wearing shoes and being aware of their surroundings.
6. Keep tetanus vaccinations up to date: Ensure your tetanus shot is current to reduce the risk of this serious infection.

By following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing a foot puncture wound and the potential complications that may arise from such injuries.

The Importance of Professional Podiatric Care for Foot Puncture Wounds

While minor puncture wounds may be manageable at home, seeking professional podiatric care for more severe injuries is crucial. Podiatrists have the specialized knowledge and equipment to properly assess and treat foot puncture wounds, ensuring the best possible outcomes for patients.

Why should you consult a podiatrist for a foot puncture wound?

There are several compelling reasons to seek podiatric care for foot puncture wounds:

• Expertise in foot anatomy: Podiatrists have in-depth knowledge of foot structure and function, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment.
• Specialized equipment: Podiatry offices are equipped with tools specifically designed for foot and ankle care.
• Comprehensive treatment plans: Podiatrists can develop personalized treatment plans that address both immediate concerns and long-term foot health.
• Prevention of complications: Professional care can help prevent serious complications like infections or chronic pain.
• Follow-up care: Podiatrists provide ongoing care to ensure proper healing and address any arising issues.

By consulting a podiatrist like Dr. Matt Wettstein in Idaho, patients can receive expert care tailored to their specific needs, promoting faster healing and better long-term outcomes.

Idaho Podiatrist for Foot Puncture Wound Injuries

Many puncture wounds require the expertise of an experienced Idaho podiatrist. If you think any part of the object you stepped on could still be in your foot, then you should seek emergency care within 24 hours and remain off your foot as much as possible until you see a doctor.

Even if you are confident that nothing remains in your foot, you should seek prompt medical care. Puncture wounds are traumatic wounds that are potentially dangerous. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the best course of action. Dr. Matt Wettstein can evaluate the puncture wound and provide you with at-home or in-office treatment options to help you heal and prevent unnecessary health complications.

The Dangers of Puncture Wounds

A puncture wound is an injury to the skin and underlying tissues caused by a sharp object, such as a nail, needle, shard of glass, or toothpick. Puncture wounds are different from cuts and require treatment to avoid:

• Infection. Puncture wounds can be incredibly dangerous due to the fact that dirt and bacteria can easily enter the body through this type of wound. This increases the risk of infection significantly, leading to swelling, redness, pus formation, and other painful symptoms.
• Nerve damage. Another danger posed by puncture wounds is nerve damage. If a deep enough puncture wound is sustained, it may damage nearby nerves, causing numbness and tingling in the affected area.
• Blood poisoning or sepsis. Failing to treat a puncture wound properly can also lead to blood poisoning, known medically as sepsis. This extremely serious condition can cause tissue death and organ failure if not treated promptly and appropriately.

A prompt evaluation and treatment plan can help you avoid these serious health consequences.

How an Idaho Podiatrist Can Diagnose and Treat Puncture Wounds

An Idaho podiatrist will typically diagnose puncture wounds by carefully examining the affected area. This involves checking for signs of infection and nerve damage, such as:

• Redness
• Warmth
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Fever
• Pain
• Drainage

Depending on the severity of the wound, an X-ray may be taken to determine if there is any foreign object embedded in the foot or ankle.

Your podiatrist will recommend treatment options tailored to your unique injury needs. Some of the possible puncture wound treatment options include:

• Cleaning. Thoroughly cleaning the wound with soap and water helps reduce the risk of infection.
• Antibiotics. A course of antibiotics can help fight off any existing or potential infections.
• Tetanus shot. Your doctor will make sure that you’ve had a tetanus shot in the last ten years. Otherwise, you may need a tetanus shot quickly to prevent this type of bacterial infection.
• Dressings. Applying sterile dressings to remove dirt and bacteria from the wound can help prevent infection.
• Pain medication. Over-the-counter or prescription medications can help relieve pain and inflammation caused by the wound.
• Surgery. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue or reposition any displaced bones or muscles.
• Rest. Your podiatrist may recommend staying off your foot until the puncture wound heals.

After initial treatment, your podiatrist may recommend additional follow-up at home. For example, you may continue rest, antibiotics, and pain medication for a prescribed time. Your foot doctor will also tell you whether further in-office treatments are necessary and review infection signs that might require prompt treatment.

Contact an Idaho Podiatrist Today to Evaluate Your Puncture Wound

You don’t want to take any unnecessary chances with your health. A puncture wound may not just cause temporary pain or impact your ability to walk but could also lead to a potentially deadly infection or permanent nerve damage.

If you suffer a puncture wound on your foot in the Twin Falls or Burley area, we encourage you to contact Advanced Foot & Ankle. You can request an appointment online or call our Twin Falls office at 208-731-6321 or our Burley office at 208-312-4646 to schedule your appointment.

Puncture Wounds – Health Information Library

Do you have a puncture wound?

This is a wound caused by a sharp, pointed object going through the skin. Puncture wounds are deeper and narrower than cuts.

Yes

Puncture wound

No

Puncture wound

How old are you?

Less than 12 years

Less than 12 years

12 years or older

12 years or older

Are you male or female?

Male

Male

Female

Female

• If you are transgender or nonbinary, choose the sex that matches the body parts (such as ovaries, testes, prostate, breasts, penis, or vagina) you now have in the area where you are having symptoms.
• If your symptoms aren’t related to those organs, you can choose the gender you identify with.
• If you have some organs of both sexes, you may need to go through this triage tool twice (once as “male” and once as “female”). This will make sure that the tool asks the right questions for you.

Do you have an eye injury?

Yes

Eye injury

No

Eye injury

Do you have an injury caused by a fishhook?

Yes

Fishhook injury

No

Fishhook injury

Is the wound bleeding?

Yes

Bleeding wound

No

Bleeding wound

Would you describe the bleeding as severe, moderate, or mild?

Severe

Severe bleeding

Moderate

Moderate bleeding

Mild

Mild bleeding

Do you have a deep wound in your head, neck, chest, or belly?

A deep puncture wound in any of these areas could damage the internal organs.

Yes

Deep puncture wound to head, neck, chest, or belly

No

Deep puncture wound to head, neck, chest, or belly

Are you having trouble breathing (more than a stuffy nose)?

Yes

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

No

Difficulty breathing more than a stuffy nose

Is there any pain?

Yes

Pain

No

Pain

How bad is the pain on a scale of 0 to 10, if 0 is no pain and 10 is the worst pain you can imagine?

Signs of pain in an adult or child are different than signs of pain in a baby or toddler.

8 to 10: Severe pain

Severe pain

5 to 7: Moderate pain

Moderate pain

1 to 4: Mild pain

Mild pain

Has the pain lasted for more than 8 hours?

Yes

Pain for more than 8 hours

No

Pain for more than 8 hours

Is the pain getting worse?

Yes

Pain is getting worse

No

Pain is getting worse

Have you been injected with something under high pressure, like oil or paint from a sprayer?

Yes

Injection under high pressure

No

Injection under high pressure

Is there a deep puncture in or over a joint?

A puncture that goes into a joint can be serious.

Yes

Deep puncture in joint area

No

Deep puncture in joint area

Do you have a wound on your arm, leg, hand, or foot that is more than just a scratch?

Yes

Wound on extremity

No

Wound on extremity

For an arm or leg wound, is the skin below the wound (farther down the limb) blue, pale, or cold to the touch and different from the other arm or leg?

This may mean that a major blood vessel was damaged and that blood is not reaching the rest of the arm or leg.

Yes

Skin is blue, pale, or cold below an arm or leg injury

No

Skin is blue, pale, or cold below an arm or leg injury

Can you move the area below the injury normally, even though it may hurt?

Yes

Able to move limb normally below injury

No

Unable to move limb normally below injury

For an arm or leg wound, is there any numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling around the wound or below the wound (farther down the arm or leg)?

This may mean that a nerve was damaged.

Yes

Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling around or below an arm or leg injury

No

Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling around or below an arm or leg injury

Are there any symptoms of infection?

Yes

Symptoms of infection

No

Symptoms of infection

Do you think you may have a fever?

Yes

Possible fever

No

Possible fever

Are there red streaks leading away from the area or pus draining from it?

Yes

Red streaks or pus

No

Red streaks or pus

Do you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, peripheral arterial disease, or any surgical hardware in the area?

“Hardware” includes things like artificial joints, plates or screws, catheters, and medicine pumps.

Yes

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

No

Diabetes, immune problems, peripheral arterial disease, or surgical hardware in affected area

Have you been stuck with a used or dirty needle?

Yes

Stuck with used or dirty needle

No

Stuck with used or dirty needle

Is there an object stuck in the wound, and you can’t get it out?

You may not be able to remove it because of where or how deep the wound is or because it causes severe pain.

Yes

Object in wound

No

Object in wound

Is the object large or small?

Large means things like a nail or piece of wood that is at least 2 in. (5.1 cm) long and anything bigger than that. Small means things like a pencil tip or a small splinter or sliver.

Large

Large embedded object

Small

Small embedded object

Did you have swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of the injury?

Yes

Swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of injury

No

Swelling or bruising within 30 minutes of injury

Has the swelling or bruising raised a lump that’s more than about 1. 5 in. (4 cm) across or deep? This would be bigger than a golf ball or Ping-Pong ball.

Yes

Lump bigger than golf ball or Ping-Pong ball

No

Lump bigger than golf ball or Ping-Pong ball

Do you have a puncture wound in your foot?

Yes

Puncture wound in foot

No

Puncture wound in foot

Did the object go through a shoe or boot?

An object that has enough force behind it to go through a shoe can cause serious injury to the foot. Puncture wounds in the sole of the foot also have a high risk of infection.

Yes

Object went through a shoe or boot

No

Object went through a shoe or boot

Do you think you may need a tetanus shot?

Yes

May need tetanus shot

No

May need tetanus shot

Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need. These include:

• Your age. Babies and older adults tend to get sicker quicker.
• Your overall health. If you have a condition such as diabetes, HIV, cancer, or heart disease, you may need to pay closer attention to certain symptoms and seek care sooner.
• Medicines you take. Certain medicines, such as blood thinners (anticoagulants), medicines that suppress the immune system like steroids or chemotherapy, herbal remedies, or supplements can cause symptoms or make them worse.
• Recent health events, such as surgery or injury. These kinds of events can cause symptoms afterwards or make them more serious.
• Your health habits and lifestyle, such as eating and exercise habits, smoking, alcohol or drug use, sexual history, and travel.

Try Home Treatment

You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home.

• Try home treatment to relieve the symptoms.
• Call your doctor if symptoms get worse or you have any concerns (for example, if symptoms are not getting better as you would expect). You may need care sooner.

Symptoms of infection may include:

• Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in or around the area.
• Red streaks leading from the area.
• Pus draining from the area.
• A fever.

Pain in adults and older children

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that you can’t stand it for more than a few hours, can’t sleep, and can’t do anything else except focus on the pain.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The pain is bad enough to disrupt your normal activities and your sleep, but you can tolerate it for hours or days. Moderate can also mean pain that comes and goes even if it’s severe when it’s there.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): You notice the pain, but it is not bad enough to disrupt your sleep or activities.

Pain in children under 3 years

It can be hard to tell how much pain a baby or toddler is in.

• Severe pain (8 to 10): The pain is so bad that the baby cannot sleep, cannot get comfortable, and cries constantly no matter what you do. The baby may kick, make fists, or grimace.
• Moderate pain (5 to 7): The baby is very fussy, clings to you a lot, and may have trouble sleeping but responds when you try to comfort him or her.
• Mild pain (1 to 4): The baby is a little fussy and clings to you a little but responds when you try to comfort him or her.

Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system’s ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:

• Diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and HIV/AIDS.
• Long-term alcohol and drug problems.
• Steroid medicines, which may be used to treat a variety of conditions.
• Chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer.
• Other medicines used to treat autoimmune disease.
• Medicines taken after organ transplant.
• Not having a spleen.

With severe bleeding, any of these may be true:

• Blood is pumping from the wound.
• The bleeding does not stop or slow down with pressure.
• Blood is quickly soaking through bandage after bandage.

With moderate bleeding, any of these may be true:

• The bleeding slows or stops with pressure but starts again if you remove the pressure.
• The blood may soak through a few bandages, but it is not fast or out of control.

With mild bleeding, any of these may be true:

• The bleeding stops on its own or with pressure.
• The bleeding stops or slows to an ooze or trickle after 15 minutes of pressure. It may ooze or trickle for up to 45 minutes.

Usually found in dirt and soil, tetanus bacteria typically enter the body through a wound. Wounds may include a bite, a cut, a puncture, a burn, a scrape, insect bites, or any injury that may cause broken skin.

You may need a tetanus shot depending on how dirty the wound is and how long it has been since your last shot.

• For a dirty wound that has things like dirt, saliva, or feces in it, you may need a shot if:
  • You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.
• For a clean wound, you may need a shot if:
  • You have not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years.
  • You don’t know when your last shot was.

Symptoms of difficulty breathing can range from mild to severe. For example:

• You may feel a little out of breath but still be able to talk (mild difficulty breathing), or you may be so out of breath that you cannot talk at all (severe difficulty breathing).
• It may be getting hard to breathe with activity (mild difficulty breathing), or you may have to work very hard to breathe even when you’re at rest (severe difficulty breathing).

Seek Care Today

Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.

• Call your doctor today to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care today.
• If it is evening, watch the symptoms and seek care in the morning.
• If the symptoms get worse, seek care sooner.

Seek Care Now

Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care.

• Call your doctor now to discuss the symptoms and arrange for care.
• If you cannot reach your doctor or you don’t have one, seek care in the next hour.
• You do not need to call an ambulance unless:
  • You cannot travel safely either by driving yourself or by having someone else drive you.
  • You are in an area where heavy traffic or other problems may slow you down.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Call 911 Now

Based on your answers, you need emergency care.

Call 911 or other emergency services now.

Put direct, steady pressure on the wound until help arrives. Keep the area raised if you can.

Sometimes people don’t want to call 911. They may think that their symptoms aren’t serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them. Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call 911 for medical transport to the hospital.

Eye Injuries

Fishhook Injuries

Wound complications – Clinic 29

Wounds can be accompanied by a variety of complications both immediately after the infliction of wounds, and in the long term. These include:

• Gray – accumulation of exudate in the residual cavity of the wound. Its infection leads to suppuration of the wound. Requires timely evacuation.
• Wound hematoma – formed due to incomplete stop of bleeding. Serves as a potential source of infection. A tense hematoma compresses the surrounding tissues and leads to their ischemia. The hematoma must be removed by puncture or revision of the wound.
• Necrosis of the surrounding tissues – develop when blood supply is disturbed in the corresponding area due to tissue trauma during surgery or improper suturing. Moist necrosis of the skin must be excised because of the danger of deep accumulations of pus. Superficial dry skin necrosis is not removed, as they perform a protective function.

• Suppuration with subsequent development of abscesses, phlegmon – their development is facilitated by a high level of contamination (wound contamination) and high virulence (aggressiveness) of the microflora that got into the wound, the presence of foreign bodies in the wound, necrosis, fluid or blood accumulations, chronic disturbance of local blood supply, general factors affecting the course of the wound process, as well as late surgical treatment. It is the patient’s refusal to seek timely specialized care that can lead to serious complications.

The most common development of pyogenic (pyogenic) wound infection occurs on the 3-5th day after injury, less often – at a later date – on the 13-15th day. Anaerobic infection can develop very quickly, with fulminant forms it manifests itself within a few hours after the injury. The first symptoms are swelling, redness and pain. Increasing pain in the area of ​​the wound is an early, but, unfortunately, often ignored sign of an infection.

Adequate surgical treatment is required: the wound is opened, pus is removed, thoroughly washed, after which, according to indications, it is drained with tubular drainage and packed with a material with sorption properties. After cleansing the wound and the appearance of granulation tissue, secondary sutures are applied or the edges of the wound are pulled together with adhesive tape.

• Wound dehiscence may occur when the applied external forces exceed its strength. Most often, the divergence of the skin edges of the wound occurs within the first month after its suturing, precisely during the period of time when the sutures have already been removed, and the formation of cross-links of collagen fibrils has not been completed. Even with a normal metabolism, the postoperative scar acquires only 35% of its original strength in one month and never becomes stronger than the tissue it replaced. The divergence of the edges of the wound is eliminated by surgery.
• Suppuration of postoperative wounds . Among all postoperative complications, surgical infection ranks first and accounts for 32-75%. After planned surgical interventions, infectious complications occur in 6.5% of cases, after emergency – in more than 12%

Manifestations of postoperative wound infection do not have specific symptoms relative to any other wound infection. Among the local symptoms, there are edema and hyperemia (redness) or cyanosis (cyanosis) of the skin up to the development of necrosis, severe pain at rest and on palpation in the wound area, fluctuations in places of the greatest accumulation of exudate, wound discharge, divergence of the edges of the wound, slowing down of reparative processes in wound.

Patients debilitated by major surgery, comorbidities, or trauma may have mild symptoms.

In case of total suppuration of the wound, the sutures are completely removed, the edges of the wound are parted, exudate or hematoma is evacuated, non-viable tissues are excised, pockets and streaks are opened. In most cases, in the early stages of the disease, these measures are enough to stop the purulent process. The wound is subsequently led openly. Dressings are carried out daily using iodophor solutions, water-soluble ointments or draining sorbents. After stopping the signs of local inflammation, secondary sutures are applied to the wound or adhesive plastering of the edges of the wound, which significantly reduces the treatment time.

• Malignancy . Long-term chronic wounds can be complicated by malignancy (malignancy). The diagnosis is confirmed by a biopsy of wound tissue, which you can perform in our hospital. Further treatment tactics are determined individually, depending on the results of the obtained histological examination

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90,000 signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

General information

Kinds

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Operations for injuries of the tendon of the hand

Expert opinion of a doctor

Rehabilitation

Question answer

General

Tendon injury is one of the most common hand injuries that leads to difficulty in finger flexion, loss of fine motor skills, and other functional impairments.

The cause of the pathology can be a cut or stab wound of the palm, the brush getting into moving mechanisms, complex fractures.

Species

Symptoms

Diagnostics

The initial stage of the examination is a careful examination of the damaged limb. The traumatologist studies the position of the fingers, the nature of the wound, if any, clarifies the circumstances under which the injury was received. To assess the severity of damage, the doctor conducts several tests: asks the patient to bend and unbend his fingers, squeeze his palms, bend a certain finger under resistance.

Additionally, for a more detailed diagnosis of damage to the tendons of the hand and the selection of optimal treatment tactics, radiography is performed. In difficult cases, they resort to CT, MRI, targeted research using ultrasound of the segment at the level of which the injury was diagnosed.

Hand tendon injuries

Conservative treatment for injuries of the tendons of the hand is practically absent and includes only first aid and anesthesia. For any type of injury, surgical intervention is indicated.

Tendon plasty

The technique consists in restoring the full functions of the hand by inserting an autograft or biosynthetic material into the affected area. Plastic surgery is indicated for ruptures, improper fusion of ligaments, sprains and scarring of the tissue.

More

Tendon suture

Represents an open intervention with the imposition of special sutures directly on the damaged connective fibers.

More

The variant of the operation is selected depending on the nature of the injury, the age and characteristics of the general health of the patient, comorbidities.

Medical expert opinion

Rehabilitation

Q&A

Full recovery can take from 2 to 4 months. The success of treatment largely depends on the speed of seeking qualified help and the patient’s actions during rehabilitation.

The choice of anesthesia depends on the nature and extent of the injury and the health of the patient. Local anesthesia with the use of local anesthetics and endotracheal anesthesia are equally used.

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Traumatology and Orthopedics Center “SM-Clinic”

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