Getting medical attention for wounds and fractures is the best way to prevent them from turning into more serious problems. At her Houston, Tomball, Cleveland, Texas practice, foot surgeon Lauren Reed, DPM, treats foot trauma so you can recover quickly and avoid complications such as infection. If you’ve experienced a traumatic foot injury, call the office or check for available appointments online. Dr. Reed will make sure to fit you in as soon as possible.
Request an AppointmentWhy is it important to get medical treatment for foot trauma?
If you’ve broken your foot, experienced a laceration (deep cut), or have trauma from a foreign object such as a puncture wound caused by stepping on broken glass or a nail, you’re at risk of these problems worsening if left untreated.
You may be able to safely walk on a broken foot, but you may also cause further damage to your foot, and only a trained professional like Dr. Reed can determine your risk of causing the injury to worsen. Wounds may become infected, including if you still have pieces of a foreign object caught in your foot, which can be risky to remove yourself.
Prompt medical attention and proper aftercare is the best way to prevent complications from foot trauma and help you recover.
What is a foot fracture?
A foot fracture, or broken foot, can range from a small crack to a complete break that leaves your foot in two. Foot fractures are often sudden, resulting from an accident such as a fall or a blow from a heavy object.
Many foot fractures heal with rest and limiting how much weight you put on your foot. A cast or walking boot helps with this process and protects your foot while it heals. In the case of more severe fractures, Dr. Reed may need to manipulate your bones back into place or perform a surgery called an internal fixation, which involves inserting wires or screws to stabilize your bones while they heal.
What is a laceration?
A laceration is a cut through the skin that usually appears jagged and irregular. Depending on the depth of a laceration, Dr. Reed may treat it with stitches or be able to close it just by using surgical tape. She may also recommend or prescribe pain medication.
Often, the object that causes a laceration contaminates the wound with bacteria and debris, creating the risk of infection. In addition to advising you on keeping your laceration wound clean and dry, Dr. Reed may prescribe antibiotics to prevent an infection.
What is a puncture wound?
A puncture wound happens when a pointed object like a nail or broken glass enters your skin. These types of injuries are especially common in the feet, with many puncture wounds occurring when people are barefoot and step on something sharp. Puncture wounds don’t cause significant bleeding, but the wounds are often deep and highly prone to infection.
The best way to prevent infection of a puncture wound is through both emergency and follow-up care. Dr. Reed will make sure your wound is clean and that there are no pieces of the foreign object in your foot, and can remove any remnants or debris if necessary. She will also make sure you’re up to date on tetanus boosters if your puncture wound comes from a metal object.
For expert care for foot trauma, call or schedule an appointment online with Lauren Reed, DPM, and she’ll be available to help you promptly.