See A Foot Doctor To Remove A Difficult Splinter Or To Treat An Infection It Caused

If you or your kids like to go barefoot, you'll probably have to deal with splinters now and then. Small splinters are usually no problem and come right out. Deep splinters or large objects are different. They may be painful and difficult to see or grasp. When you have something in your foot, it should come out right away to reduce the risk of infection. If you can't get it out yourself, go to a foot doctor for help. Here's what they can do.

Apply Anesthetic

If the area is painful and you can't tolerate trying to remove it, the foot doctor may apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area. This is especially helpful for kids who refuse to let you touch their feet to remove the splinter. Once your foot is numb, the doctor can pull the splinter out. They may need to coax it out with a needle or cut it out.

Apply A Dressing

A foot doctor uses techniques to prevent infection when working on a splinter. When the splinter is out, they may apply an antibiotic ointment to your foot and cover the area with a dressing to prevent an infection. They may give advice on how often to change the dressing and how to monitor for signs of infection that could mean you need further treatment.

Prevent Complications If You're A Diabetic

A splinter can be a serious problem when you have diabetes. That's why your foot doctor may have advised you to wear shoes all the time rather than go barefoot. If you have diabetes and nerve damage, call your foot doctor when you have a splinter so the doctor can remove it, treat the area, and monitor you for complications. By letting the doctor remove the splinter, you may avoid causing an infection that could take a long time to heal.

Deal With A Frantic Child

Your kids probably love to go barefoot, and that makes them more likely to get splinters. Older kids may be stoic and let you remove a painful splinter, but younger kids may be fearful and fight. A foot doctor knows how to deal with kids and may have a better chance of getting them to cooperate, especially once their foot is numb.

A small wood splinter may not be a serious event for you or your child, but if you step on a shard of glass or metal, the splinter may be difficult to remove. Plus, a dirty or rusty splinter could pose a health threat. If you have any concerns at all about your foot or your child's foot, see a foot doctor for treatment and to put your mind at ease.

For more information, contact a foot doctor near you.