if you step on a rusty nail it's more than just a painful poke it could be serious the nail punctures your skin creating a perfect entry point for bacteria like clostridium tatani which causes tetanus it can enter your bloodstream this bacteria releases a toxin that attacks your nervous system causing symptoms like muscle stiffness spasms or even lock jaw stop the risk of spread and get your tetanus booster ASAP ideally in 48 hours
