Splinters/Foreign Bodies

Description

A splinter is a shard of wood, plastic, metal, broken glass or any small object that can become stuck at the bottom of foot after accidentally stepping on it.

Symptoms

A splinter in the foot will cause pain and discomfort upon walking. You may even feel a sensation of something embedded under the skin.

Treatment Options

Splinter removal, local wound care, possible antibiotics if there is an infection.  While a small splinter can be removed at home, a large or deep splinter should be removed by a podiatrist. 

Treatment Options Description (with Duration)

If you've accidentally stepped on something and the foreign body is hard to get out, you need medical attention. Depending on how deep the foreign body is, your podiatrist will generally numb the area and remove the splinter safely in the office. If there is a wound on the bottom of the foot from the foreign body, you will need to keep the site clean and keep it covered with an antibiotic ointment and either a dressing or a bandaid, depending on the severity. If there are any signs of infection (redness, warmth, swelling, and oozing pus),  antibiotics will be required. 

Expected Outcome

Foreign bodies should be treated as soon as possible. If treatment is delayed, the foreign body can become deeper and/or the area may become infected. If treated early, the foreign body can be easily removed at the doctor's office and your chance of getting an infection can thus be reduced. 

We Help Relieve Your Pain Quickly 

If you are suffering from a wound caused by a foreign body or splinter, our New York foot doctors can help! Serving the Downtown and Midtown Manhattan areas of NYC, we help you get back to healthy and happy living. Call us at 917-398-3668 or book an appointment online.