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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Wood Lodged Into Knee Causing Swelling And Pus, Increased After Tetanus Shot, Wood Came Out On Squeezing. What Should Be My Next Step?

While hiking I fell on a dead tree stump. A piece lodged into my leg below the knee which I took out, after returning home it was swollen and pus was coming out, I pressed on it and a small piece of wood came out. The next day I saw my doctor who felt it would heal and gave me a tetanus shot. After 2 days it became increasingly swollen and sore and once again I went to see my doctor who lanced it could find no remaining pieces. He gave me a prescription for antibiotics . Yesterday it was extremely swollen and when I pressed on it a 1 inch sliver of wood came out along with pus. I felt that probably was all; however, today it is still somewhat swollen and has a very hard area around the puncture site. My doctor is now out of the country for 2 weeks, should I seek additional medical attention or do you feel it will now heal since the wood has been expelled?
Fri, 17 Aug 2012
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Dermatologist,  's  Response
Hi there. It appears all the wood has been extruded & it will heal on its own. However, do take an antinbiotic course coupled with an anti-inflammatory agent & it is always better to get these via a prescription from your local Gp while at the same time getting a second opinion. Wood splinters are notorious for getting left behind. However, remember that our body is geared to 'reject' foreign bodies & hence the localizing reaction & pus et al to 'throw' out the foreign particle. Let nature do its bit & you do yours..cheers & Good luck
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Wood Lodged Into Knee Causing Swelling And Pus, Increased After Tetanus Shot, Wood Came Out On Squeezing. What Should Be My Next Step?

Hi there. It appears all the wood has been extruded & it will heal on its own. However, do take an antinbiotic course coupled with an anti-inflammatory agent & it is always better to get these via a prescription from your local Gp while at the same time getting a second opinion. Wood splinters are notorious for getting left behind. However, remember that our body is geared to reject foreign bodies & hence the localizing reaction & pus et al to throw out the foreign particle. Let nature do its bit & you do yours..cheers & Good luck