Foreign Objects in the Foot

People step on weird stuff all the time. From glass to wood to nails, even dog fur, foreign bodies enter our feet and cause havoc. While it may seem strange, our podiatrists remove dog fur from patient's feet at least a half dozen times a year! Some times we don't even know that we have stepped on something and that it became embedded in our bare feet.

You may notice a while after you stepped on the foreign object pain, swelling, infection, irritation, or discomfort. Many of these objects can be removed by yourself at home- but be wary of botched bathroom surgeries! If you are a diabetic and believe that you have a foreign object in your foot, call a podiatrist immediately. Do not try to remove this on your own, as the diabetic foot needs special and extra attention.

Here are some tips to remove a foreign object on your own:

1. Soak your foot in warm water to soften the foot.
2. Make sure your hands are clean and dry your foot.
3. Place fingers on either side of the splinter (if you can see it or know where it entered) and gently squeeze the object out.
4. If the object won't come out on its own, disinfect a pair of tweezers with rubbing alcohol, let them dry, and grasp the end of the object. Pull in the direction the object entered. If the object is firmly embedded in your skin, with no entrance or exit visible, do not attempt this. 

If none of these tips work, call a podiatrist immediately. The longer the object stays in your foot, the more likely you are to develop an infection. Our podiatrists numb the area with a topical anesthetic and shave down the top layers of the skin.

f you believe you have a foreign object in your foot and cannot remove it yourself, call one of our six locations to make an appointment.