Puncture Wound and Seeking Treatment [Video]

About the video: Should I see a doctor for puncture wound in my foot?

Listen to Summit Orthopedics’ experts Tracy Rupke, M.D. and Michael Anderson, D.O. discuss the importance of seeking medical attention for a puncture wound in the foot.

Meet Dr. Tracy Rupke

Dr. Rupke’s approach: “I am dedicated to providing the best care possible for my patients. I love running and understand every patient’s desire to return to their own life and activities.”

Dr. Rupke’s background: Much of Dr. Rupke’s training and education took place in Ontario, Canada. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Guelph, earned her medical degree at Queen’s University in Kingston, and underwent residency training at the University of Ottawa. There she also completed a Sports Medicine fellowship, and she went on to train in the University of Washington’s Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship program at  Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Meet Dr. Michael Anderson

Dr. Anderson’s approach: “Foot and ankle problems affect people from all walks of life. Whether your goal is to get back to competitive sports, live a more active life, resume work or enjoy time with family and friends, I’m here to help.”

Dr. Anderson’s background: After completing his undergraduate studies at St. John’s University in Collegeville, Minnesota, Dr. Anderson attended the Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove, Illinois to earn his medical degree. Following his residency as part of the the Orthopedic Surgery program at Henry Ford Macomb Hospitals in Clinton Township, Michigan, he went on to train at the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York through their Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Surgery fellowship.

Summit Orthopedics offers personalized foot and ankle expertise

Our fellowship-trained foot and ankle physicians understand that your mobility depends on the health of your feet and ankles. If you have suffered an injury or are experiencing symptoms that make walking painful, our team of foot and ankle specialists can help with conservative treatment, seasoned surgical teams, and expert rehabilitation support. Summit Orthopedics specialists have the expertise to evaluate your discomfort and develop a plan to quickly and safely get you back on your feet and on your way.

Start your journey to optimal foot health. Find your foot and ankle expert, request an appointment online, or call us at (651) 968–5201 to schedule a consultation.

Summit has convenient locations across the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area, serving Minnesota and western Wisconsin. We have state-of-the-art centers for comprehensive orthopedic care in Eagan, MN, Plymouth, MN, Vadnais Heights, MN, and Woodbury, MN, as well as additional community clinics throughout the metro and southern Minnesota.

More resources for you

• Tips For Runner Foot Fitness
• Oh, My Aching Feet
• Watch the video: Introducing Michael Castro, D.O.
• Meet Foot And Ankle Surgeon Dr. Michael Anderson

Video Transcription

Anytime something punctures the skin, especially in your foot, I think it’s important to seek medical attention for a variety of reasons. First of all, depending on what actually punctured the foot, it’s really important to make sure that your tetanus is up to date. Also, it is very, very common with any kind of puncture wound that something is actually left behind in the foot. So, we frequently see people who get a splinter and think they’ve removed it all or some other foreign object that gets left behind in the foot, and in general that usually needs to be removed. Puncture wounds to the foot are especially problematic in patients with circulatory problems like peripheral vascular disease and in diabetics – both of whom have a decreased capacity to heal on their own. So, for those patients, it’s especially important to see someone after a puncture wound to your foot. There are certain problems that can be treated easily, early on, that can lead to big problems if they’re untreated. Especially infection or abscesses or something left behind in your foot. So, it is important to have that looked at right away if something actually enters your foot and causes bleeding, et cetera.

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