Could it be tetnus?

[Mrs.D]

I recently injured the top of my right foot.  I cut it on a metal part of a car seat.  I am now having a strange tight feeling in the right foot and leg, from the knee down.  It is difficult to move my foot.  It does not appear swollen but it feels very tight and somewhat numb.  The cut is small (about 1/2 inch across) and was not very deep.  I am also having difficulty moving my toes on my right foot.  I am wondering if it could be tetnus.  I have not had any shots since my childhood immunizations (about 20 years ago), and am unsure if I ever had a tetnus shot.  Any advice or comment would be greatly appreciated.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Mrs.D:

It doesn't sound like tetnus as your would have more of a jittery nervous sensation, together with muscle stiffness and increased irritability with pressure.  However, anytime one experiences strange feelings in a body part after injury, one should see a doctor just to make sure there is no infection.  I would recommend seeing your family physician.  It would also be a good time to get a tetnus booster.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[Beryl Key]

I cut my hand about a half an hour ago with a metal hanger from a filing cabinet.  The cut is below my pointer finger at the nuckle on the inner side.  I have a tingling sensation that is surronding the inner palm of my hand.  Does this mean anything?  I have not had a tetnus shot since 1993.

[CCF Neuro[P] MD, RPS]

Dear Beryl Key:

I would suggest that you see your physician.  It is alittle too fast to develop tetnus.  You will likely need a tetnus shot.  The tingling may be due to alot of things so it would better to see a physician who could visualize your cut and examine you.

Sincerely,

CCF Neuro MD

[waxinnmilkin]

A related discussion, tetnus was started.

[deanvake]

A related discussion, can tetnus cause muscle spasms in the muscle that leans your head one way and turns it the opposite way? was started.