Stepping on a nail is a common injury that causes a puncture wound, often in the shape of a round hole. Puncture wounds can look small, but as they can penetrate deep into the skin, they can be difficult to clean and pose a risk for infection.
Initially, a puncture wound may not look serious, as they often bleed more internally than externally. However, as nails on the ground are often dirty, they can push soil, rust, wood, or clothing fibers into the foot.
In this article, we discuss how to carry out first aid for this injury, when to seek medical help, if a rusty nail causes tetanus, and how to recover at home.
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People should visit a doctor within 24 hours of stepping on a nail in order to minimize the risk of tetanus or other infection.
The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons suggest that people seek medical help within 24 hours after they step on a nail.
Stepping on a nail can push debris and bacteria into the foot. Even if a person cleans the wound thoroughly at home, or the wound looks small, there is still a risk of infection.
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A person should not wait until these symptoms develop to seek medical help. The best way to prevent an infection is early treatment. This may mean a visit to the hospital.
Wounds are the most common way people get tetanus. However, widespread vaccination has reduced tetanus infection in the United States by 99% since 1947, according to the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services.
The tetanus vaccine protects people against tetanus and diphtheria. Some versions of the vaccine also protect against pertussis, or whooping cough. Immunity from the vaccine lasts around
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If a person who steps on a nail has not had a tetanus vaccination in the last 5 years, they should see a doctor right away so they can get a top-up.
Someone may not develop tetanus symptoms for up to 60 days after an injury. If someone has these symptoms after they step on a nail, they should dial the emergency number 911.
Most puncture wounds are minor and heal with no further issues. However, if a wound is deep, has ragged edges, or contains a foreign object, it is more likely to develop complications. These can include:
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Osteomyelitis develops slowly, and may take days or months to appear. Around 1–2% of people with a foot puncture wound go on to develop this condition.
Which often lives on rubber-soled shoes. Early treatment from a doctor or foot specialist is the best way to avoid these complications.
After someone receives medical treatment for stepping on a nail, they can recover at home. Recovery time will depend on several factors, such as how deep the wound is. A person can aid their recovery by:
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If a doctor prescribes antibiotics, it is important to finish the course, even if the wound feels or looks better. Seek medical help if the wound does not improve, pain does not completely subside, or symptoms get worse.
Stepping on a nail causes a puncture wound, which often looks like a small hole in the foot. It may not bleed as much as a cut, but due to the risk of infection, this type of wound often requires medical attention.
A person can reduce the risk of complications with first aid. They should seek prompt medical care, and keep the wound clean. A person may also need a tetanus vaccine if they have not had one in the last 5 years.
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Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Stepping on a nail can be a painful experience. Depending on the severity of the injury, the nail can puncture a hole deep in the sole of your foot. This can make it difficult to walk or stand for a few days.
Once the shock of an injury wears off, it’s important to take immediate steps to care for your wound. These punctures may be treatable at home, but some wounds may require medical attention.
Here’s a look at how to care for a nail puncture wound, as well as what symptoms mean you may need to see a doctor.
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Clean hands with warm soapy water for at least 20 seconds. This is the equivalent of singing the Happy Birthday song twice. Dry your hands with a clean cloth.
Some nail punctures bleed, some don’t. If bleeding occurs, apply gentle pressure to stop bleeding and promote clotting. Be gentle: Too much pressure can worsen pain and bleeding.
A nail on the ground may contain bacteria or other germs that can make you sick, especially if it’s dirty or covered in rust. Cleaning your wound is one of the best ways to prevent complications like tetanus, a serious bacterial infection. The bacteria that causes tetanus can be found in dirt, dust, or animal feces.
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To properly clean a puncture wound, start by rinsing the injury with clean water for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps remove dirt and any lose debris.
Debris can include dirt or pieces of fabric from your sock. If necessary, use tweezers to remove debris from your wound. Clean the tweezers with rubbing alcohol beforehand.
Cleaning is important but it’s not enough. You should also protect the puncture to prevent an infection. After cleaning and drying your wound, apply a thin layer of a topical antibiotic cream such as Neosporin.
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It can take several days for your wound to heal. During this time, wrap it in a bandage to protect and keep it clean. Change your bandages at least once a day, preferably after showering. Wait until any bleeding stops before applying a bandage.
A minor nail puncture may not require a visit to your doctor. But, if the nail or wound was dirty or the puncture is deep, you should see your doctor or visit urgent care. They’ll likely give you a tetanus booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past 5 years.
Regardless of the type of puncture wound, if you can’t remember when you had your last tetanus booster shot or it’s been over 10 years, you should see your doctor for a tetanus booster. When necessary, you should get the shot within 48 hours after your injury.
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Don’t downplay the importance of getting an updated tetanus booster after stepping on a nail. This is especially important if your injury occurred outdoors in soil or if you believe the nail was contaminated.
A tetanus infection affects the nervous system and can be life-threatening. Since there’s no cure for tetanus, you should take every possible measure to avoid this infection.
A skin infection can develop as early as two days after stepping on a nail. If the injury causes a joint or bone infection, symptoms can appear within 14 days after the injury.
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Your doctor can order an imaging study to further examine your foot to determine if an object is still in your skin or if there’s bone damage.
Complications from stepping on a nail can be serious. But with prompt at-home care and early medical treatment for signs of an infection, the outcome is positive and your wound should heal well. You may have scarring depending on the depth of the puncture.
There’s also a lower risk for developing tetanus if you’re up-to-date on your booster shot or if you get a booster shot within 48 hours after your injury.
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Puncture wounds are painful but the pain should subside as the wound heals. Over-the-counter medications can help with inflammation and pain. These include ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve).
On average, it can take two days to two weeks for an injury to heal. Recovery time is based on the depth of the puncture.
Has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.If you step on a nail, especially a dirty nail, you really need to seek medical attention. There they should give you a tetanus booster if you need one, take x-rays to make sure there is no debris still in your foot, clean out the wound, and put you on antibiotics. These injuries can be very bad if not treated properly. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado, we take nail foot puncture wounds very seriously.
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If you step on a nail you will need to get a tetanus booster shot if it has been over 10 years since your last booster, or you can’t remember when you got your last booster. Ideally this should be done within the first 48 hours after the injury, but if not then as soon as possible. A tetanus infection can be fatal and is
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