Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Foot and Ankle Injuries

Foot and ankle injuries are two of the most common workplace injuries reported. Overexertion, slips, trips, and falls, and repetitive motion contribute to a high number of these injuries. Workers that sprain, strain, fracture, or suffer injury to ligaments or tendons in the foot or ankle often require extensive medical care and time lost from work.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton are committed to helping injured workers claim the maximum Workers’ Compensation benefits available to them. Time missed from work to recover from a workplace injury can result in financial burdens for the victim and their family. Baltimore Workers’ Compensation benefits allow injured workers to focus on their recovery without worrying about medical expenses and lost wages.

Types of Foot and Ankle Injuries

Fifty-two out of the 206 bones that make up the human body are located in the feet and ankles. Small, delicate bones connected by ligaments and tendons support the body and provide mobility. When even one of these bones is injured, it can severely affect a person’s ability to stand and walk. Workers who suffer foot and ankle injuries may require surgery, ongoing orthopedic intervention, and physical therapy. It is essential that the injured bones, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue in this area heal completely and are able to support the individual’s body weight before he or she returns to work.

Fractures

 Fractures of the tibia, fibula, and talus bones can occur when a worker twists their ankle in a fall or workplace accident. Accidents that involve heavy machinery can crush these bones, and require surgical repair using pins or plates to stabilize the area. Ankle injuries of this kind often require a period of rest to allow bones to set and heal properly. This immobility can also result in weakness in the muscles supporting the ankle and require physical therapy to improve strength.

Broken bones in the feet often occur from heavy objects falling on them, construction vehicles or moving machinery running over them, or from being caught in machinery or conveyer belts. Because there are so many bones in the feet, healing can be a long and complicated process. Depending upon the area of the foot that is injured, surgery or long periods of rest may be the only option. Mobility can be significantly affected from pain and swelling and require long periods of recovery.

Sprains & Tendonitis

Sprains in the ankles or feet can be as devastating as fractured bones, often taking more time to heal. Rolling, twisting, or turning ankles or feet can put a tremendous strain on these areas and cause weakness leading to injury. The soft tissues, ligaments, and tendons attached to each bone become inflamed and swell, making it painful to stand or move.

Tendonitis is another common type of injury that occurs specifically to the tendons that surround the joints. When tendonitis happens in the foot and ankle area, it is most commonly the result of overuse. Resting the area is beneficial, but tendonitis often requires icing, stretching, and strengthening exercises to relieve inflammation and restore strength.

Cuts, Punctures, Burns, and Hypothermia

A workplace accident that involves a cut or puncture to the foot can be a very serious injury. Workers often suffer this type of injury when they step on broken glass, nails, and other sharp objects in their work area. Sturdy work boots and shoes can prevent many of these injuries, but may not always be enough to protect against damage to the bones, tendons, ligaments, soft tissue, and nerves of the foot. Infection is also a big risk in this type of injury. Contaminated work surfaces and objects that penetrate the skin can allow bacteria to enter the body. When infections are not properly treated, sepsis and death can occur.

Feet and ankles can also suffer injuries from burns and hypothermia. Spilled chemicals, electrical wires, and open flames can cause devastating burns to the feet. Recovery from this type of injury can be painful and carries a high risk for infection. For workers exposed to cold temperatures, hypothermia can set in and cause extensive tissue and nerve damage to the lower extremities. In extreme cases, this can lead to amputation.

Baltimore Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at the LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Workers with Foot and Ankle Injuries Claim Maximum Benefits

If you or someone you know has been injured on the job, the experienced team of Baltimore Workers’ Compensation lawyers at the LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton can help. We strive to help clients receive the maximum Workers’ Compensation benefits available so that they can focus on their recovery. Call us at 844-556-4LAW (4529), or contact us online to schedule a consultation today.