Foot Laceration (Skin Cut)
Description
Cut on the foot. Lacerations of the foot can be simple involving only the skin or complex with injury to tendons, nerves and/or blood vessels. With tendon lacerations there is weakness of the foot or toes, and with nerve damage numbness is experienced beyond the laceration.
Symptoms
Laceration, inability to flex or extend the toes, numbness.
Tests
A history and physical will be performed. Testing will be done of the nerve and tendon function. An X-ray may be done to rule out a foreign body.
- X-Ray
Treatment
Simple lacerations require only closure of the skin. More complex lacerations may require repair of tendons, nerves and/or arteries. Foot lacerations should be repaired within 12 hours to prevent infection. While waiting for treatment the laceration can be cleaned with running water and covered with gauze or a clean cloth. Pressure on the wound can be applied to stop bleeding. If the bleeding is profuse consider calling 911. A tetanus shot may be needed if the last shot was more than 5 years for a dirty wound or more than 10 years for a clean wound.
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