Is it normal for your foot to swell after stepping on a nail?

Puncture wounds cause swelling and pain at the wound site. Pain is increased by walking on the foot. Swelling and pain usually decrease each day after the injury occurs. Although a puncture wound of the foot does not seem serious, be aware that a serious infection occasionally results from this type of injury.

How do you treat your foot after stepping on a nail?

To take care of a puncture wound:

  1. Wash your hands. This helps prevent infection.
  2. Stop the bleeding. Apply gentle pressure with a clean bandage or cloth.
  3. Clean the wound. Rinse the wound with clear water for 5 to 10 minutes.
  4. Apply an antibiotic.
  5. Cover the wound.
  6. Change the dressing.
  7. Watch for signs of infection.

What happens if you step on a rusty nail and don’t get a tetanus shot?

Do you believe tetanus, often called lockjaw, is caused by stepping on a rusty nail? If you do, you’re partly right. Rust doesn’t cause tetanus, but stepping on a nail might if you’re not immunized. In fact, any damage to the skin, even burns and blisters, allows tetanus-causing bacteria to enter the body.

Do I need a tetanus shot after stepping on a rusty nail?

You may need a tetanus jab if the injury has broken your skin and your tetanus vaccinations aren’t up-to-date. Tetanus is a serious but rare condition that can be fatal if untreated. The bacteria that can cause tetanus can enter your body through a wound or cut in your skin. They’re often found in soil and manure.

How long will my foot hurt after stepping on a nail?

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.

Should I soak a puncture wound?

Cleaning the Wound: Then soak the puncture wound in warm soapy water for 15 minutes. For any dirt or debris, gently scrub the wound surface back and forth. Use a wash cloth to remove any dirt. If the wound re-bleeds a little, that may help remove germs.

How quickly do I need a tetanus shot?

Ideally, the TdaP vaccine should be given initially in several doses: two, four, and six months after birth. Another dose should be given when the baby is between 15 – 18 months old, 4 – 6 years old, and at 11 – 12 years of age. Starting at age 19, you should get a Td booster shot every ten years.

What does tetanus look like?

Progression of tetanus results in repeated painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes (generalized spasms). Usually, the neck and back arch, the legs become rigid, the arms are drawn up to the body, and the fists are clenched. Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen may cause breathing difficulties.

What to watch for after stepping on a nail?

When to See a Healthcare Provider

  1. The puncture wound is large or deep, even if it’s not bleeding a lot.
  2. The nail that caused the puncture wound is rusty.
  3. The nail is stuck in your foot (do not remove it yourself).
  4. The wound looks infected, such as warmth and redness, swelling, a red streak, or pus in the area.

How long until foot swelling goes down?

After you suffer an injury, swelling usually worsens over the first two to four days. It can then last for as long as three months as the body attempts to heal itself. If the swelling lasts longer than this, your physical therapist or doctor may need to take a closer look to determine the cause of the delayed healing.