I have represented many Pennsylvania injured workers who suffered work-related foot and ankle injuries. In the beginning, the foot and ankle work-related injury may seem to not be a big deal. The reality is though that these type of injuries tend to case significant dysfunction for injured workers. So what are the common causes of foot or ankle related injuries we see in Pennsylvania?
Common foot and ankle work-related injuries
Most foot and ankle injuries occur from a specific traumatic event, rather than happening over time. Here are some common causes of work-related foot and ankle injuries:
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- Slip and Falls at work
- Falls from heights, such as on scaffolding or off the back of trucks
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- Foot or ankle is caught or pinned between pallets, scaffolding, or boxes and product
- Stepping on sharp objects
- Tripping over loose or protruding items on the floor
- Work-related auto accidents
- Impact of an object directly on the foot and ankle
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Repetitive type injuries can also occur from:
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- Standing or walking for longs periods of time
- Overexertion
- Repetitive walking on uneven surfaces
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Workers tend to suffer injuries in a variety of ways. These type of injuries listed above are by far not inclusive of all types of foot and ankle injuries, they are more or less the most common we see.
The common ankle and foot injuries we see
We see a variety of foot and ankle work- related injuries. Often times, an injury may cause immediate pain in the foot, but the dysfunction also moves to the ankle, and vice-versa. Common injuries we see include:
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- Sprains and strains. These type of injuries are often caused by awkward twisting or turning, most from slip and falls. Sometimes what we think may be a simple sprain/strain turns into actual ligament damage and tears. These type of injuries can be severely dysfunction due to being unable to do much weight bearing or walking.
- Bone fractures. The ankle, foot, and toes have small, easily breakable bones. These can result in crush type injuries and may also result in some additional nerve type injuries, such as nerve entrapment.
- Tendonitis. Inflammation of the tendons around the joints of the ankle can be caused by overexertion, overuse, and repetitive walking and standing.
- Cartilage damage. Some times what appears to be a serious sprain/strain is actually cartilage damage in the bones.
- Burns and scarring
- Amputations
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The fact is, the foot and ankle bear the weight of an individual. These injuries can be extremely disabling and take time to recover. Often times, these types of injuries may result in surgery, especially if there are significant fractures, ligament tears, or nerve entrapment. The best thing to do is to see an orthopedic specialist that specializes in foot and ankle type injuries. We can help injured workers with that process. Foot and ankle work-related injuries can be expensive and cause substantial time loss at work. If your claim is denied, then contact us right away to fight for the benefits you are entitled to under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.
If you have been injured on the job and have suffered a foot or ankle injury, do not hesitate to call Mooney Law right away. We understand these injuries and will fight for and protect the workers compensation benefits you are entitled to. Call us today for an absolutely FREE consultation at 833-MOONEYLAW or 717-200-HELP.
