When we think of injuring our foot or ankle, we tend to think of a simple sprain or something that will quickly pass over. But what many people don’t realize is that work-related foot and ankle injuries may not only prove extremely painful and entitle an individual to workers’ compensation, but can also result in permanent disability.
Common Causes of Work-Related Foot Injuries
There are many different ways in which workers injure their foot or ankle on the job. Injuries can be acute and happen very suddenly, such as tripping and falling, while others prove chronic, developing over time. Some common causes of work-related foot injuries include:
- Getting caught in heavy machinery
- Falling from a raised height
- Overexertion
- Slip and falls
- Stepping on sharp objects
- Repetitive motions
- Walking (or standing) for long periods at a time
Professions with Increased Risk
Individuals in certain professions are at an increased likelihood of suffering from these injuries. These include:
- Automotive Mechanics
- Nurses
- Construction Workers
- Laborers
- Roofers
- Carpenters
- Masons
- Waiters
- Cashiers
- Retail Clerks
- Cooks
Types of Foot & Ankle Injuries
Although there are many different types of injuries, which workers may suffer from, some commonly reported foot and ankle injuries include:
- Bone Fractures: The small bones in the foot, ankle, and toes make them more susceptible to becoming broken in workplace accidents. This can occur if an individual is caught between different parts of a machine or is crushed under moving objects.
- Burn Injuries: Serious burn injuries can occur from chemical spills.
- Damaged Cartilage: Serious bone fractures or sprains can cause injury to the cartilage as well.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding the ankle can occur from overuse.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Too much standing, walking, or continued stress on your feet can cause inflammation of the plantar fascia, resulting in what is the most common cause of heel pain.
- Puncture Wounds: When a worker steps on a sharp object or incorrectly uses a power tool, they may end up with a deep break in the skin. This can limit a worker’s ability to perform certain tasks – even as simple as standing and walking.
- Sprains and Strains: An ankle sprain or strain can occur when a worker incorrectly twists or turns it. Luckily in most instances, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can serve to heal it, some serious cases may require surgical intervention.
- Amputation: If a worker’s foot is caught in machinery or he or she is injured in a catastrophic motor vehicle accident, severe fractures or a crush injury may occur and cause medical amputation.
What Can You Do to Prevent Foot and Ankle Injuries While on the Job?
While sometimes you cannot prevent foot and ankle accidents from occurring, there are certain precautionary measures and things that you can do to minimize your risk:
- Wear supportive shoes to provide good arch support and have stiff soles.
- Wear slip-resistant soles to help workers avoid skidding, slipping, and falling.
- Avoid open-toed shoes to protect the tops of your feet from injury.
If you have initiated a workers comp lawsuit surrounding injuries sustained from a work-related foot and/or ankle injury, but worry about your ability to keep up with all of your expenses, call USClaims.
At USClaims, we offer pre-settlement funding, if a case is qualified for pre-settlement funding then we would purchase a portion of the proceeds of the anticipated court judgment or settlement for some cash now. USClaims only gets paid if a case is won or has reached a settlement! Apply now or call us today at 1-877-USCLAIMS to learn more.
