Foreign Body Removal
Foreign body removal in The Fan, VCU, Richmond, VA
Splinters, glass and other objects stuck in the foot can be painful and lead to infection if they stay in. At Richmond Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates in Richmond, Virginia, podiatrists Weston Angermeier, DPM, and Rachel Hensley, DPM, locate and remove foreign bodies safely, usually in a single office visit. If a puncture has already become red or swollen, see our wound care and foot infections pages, and call our office today.
Quick facts about foreign body removal
Common foreign bodies in the foot include wood splinters, glass, metal, needles, thorns and pieces of shell.
Objects left in the foot can cause ongoing pain, swelling and infection, even when the skin has closed over them.
Most foreign bodies can be removed in the office under local anesthetic; deeper objects may need imaging first.
Foreign Body Removal questions and answers
What counts as a foreign body in the foot?
A foreign body is anything that has entered the skin and stayed there. In the foot, the most common are splinters, glass, sewing needles, metal fragments, thorns and shell or rock pieces picked up while walking barefoot.
When should I see a podiatrist instead of removing it myself?
Small splinters near the surface can often be removed at home with clean tweezers. Call our office if:
- The object is deep, broken off or you can't see it
- You stepped on glass, a needle or a nail
- The area is red, swollen, warm or draining
- Walking on the foot is painful
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
Digging at a deep object can push it further in or break it into smaller pieces.
How do you find an object that is under the skin?
Your podiatrist examines the area and may order an X-ray or ultrasound. Glass and metal usually show on X-ray; wood and plastic often show better on ultrasound. Imaging helps plan the safest way to reach the object.
What happens during removal?
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic. Your podiatrist then opens the skin as little as possible, removes the object and cleans the wound. Some wounds are left open to drain; others are closed with a stitch or two.
You'll get instructions for keeping the area clean and dry, and an antibiotic if there are signs of infection. Call our office to schedule a visit.
Do I need a tetanus shot?
You may, especially after a puncture from something dirty or rusty. If you aren't sure when you last had a tetanus booster, tell your podiatrist at your visit.
Other conditions we treat
Ready to get back on your feet?
Call to book. Free parking in the Retreat Hospital garage.