Ankle and Foot Injuries from Slip and Fall Incidents
Ankle and foot-related injuries can make it difficult for you to move around and can disrupt your daily life activities and work. In the U.S., more than 25,000 people sprain their ankles every day, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). The most reported ankle injuries in emergency rooms are fractures, strains, and sprains that result from slip and fall incidents.
If you believe your ankle injury was a result of a slip and fall incident at work or due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to get compensation for your damages. It is essential that you seek medical attention right away to receive a complete evaluation to support your personal injury claim.
Warning Signs of an Ankle Injury
According to the AAOS, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms around your ankle area:
- Bruises
- Inability to bear any weight or walk with the injured ankle
- Pain near or at the ankle
- Swelling at the ankle or along the leg
Types of Ankle Injuries
Several kinds of ankle injuries can happen at work or as a result of an accident, but the most common ones include:
Ankle Fracture
It refers to the complete or partial breakage of the ankle bone. The tibia, talus, and fibula are the bones that join at the ankle. In an ankle fracture, one or all of these bones are broken. It ranges from avulsion injuries, which are less serious in nature, to shattering-type breaks that result in severe injuries. Some ankle fractures may damage important ankle ligaments that allow the ankle to stay in a normal position.
Ankle Sprain
An ankle sprain is when the ligaments, which hold the joints and bones in your ankle, are damaged, stretched, or torn. It mostly happens from turning, rolling, or twisting the foot beyond its limit. There are three grades of ankle sprains that are based on the extent of damage:
- Grade I: If the ligament fibers have been stretched but not torn, it is referred to as a mild or Grade I sprain. It involves soreness and swelling, and may take about 2-4 weeks to heal.
- Grade II: If the ligament fibers have been partially torn, it is referred to as a moderate or Grade II sprain. It involves bruising and swelling throughout the foot, and the ankle may feel looser. It takes about 6-8 weeks to fully recover.
- Grade III: This is the most severe form of sprain which results in a complete tear of the ligament. It encompasses acute and sharp pain with extensive bruising and swelling and may take 3-6 months to recover completely.
Ankle Strain
It refers to the damage to the tendons and muscles of the ankle. Ankle strain takes place when a tendon or muscle is torn or stretched in the ankle. This type of ankle injury is less common as compared to ankle sprains.
If you have been involved in a slip and fall accident and suffered from any type of ankle injury, it is recommended that you consult with a personal injury attorney. They will help you learn about the legal aspects of making a claim and work with you to get maximum compensation for your damages.