What are Work-Related Injuries?
Work-related injuries are any type of trauma that causes you physical damage as a result of your job. These types of injuries often affect the feet and ankles and are typically due to:
- Trips and falls
- Repetitive strain
- Vehicle accidents
Many jobs require you to wear protective footwear because of the risk of your feet getting crushed. Employers have to ensure your working conditions are as safe as possible, and you also have to follow safety procedures to prevent injuries. However, accidents can still happen at work.
If you get injured at work, you might be entitled to claim workers’ compensation. Coverage requires prompt treatment, which Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center can provide.
What Sort of Work-Related Injuries Might I Get?
Some of the more common types of work-related injuries affecting the feet and ankles include:
- Cuts and punctures
- Crush injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle strains
- Ankle and foot fractures
- Bruising
Crush injuries can happen when your foot gets trapped in machinery, or something heavy drops on you. Milder cases can cause severe bruising, but your foot could get shattered by a particularly bad crush injury.
Strains and sprains can happen if you’re using poor lifting and carrying techniques or trying to do too much. You might just bend your ankle over as you’re walking along, or you might fall off some steps.
However these injuries occur, it’s important to seek expert attention from Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center. Without the correct treatment, your foot or ankle might heal poorly or get worse and cause chronic pain.
For instance, untreated fractures can cause post-traumatic arthritis. Ruptured tendons that aren’t treated properly can reduce your mobility and cause a permanent weakness in your leg. Sprained ligaments can cause ankle instability and arthritis.
Severe injuries could also lead to amputation in some cases. Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center provides expert treatment that could help you avoid losing your limb.
How are Work-Related Injuries Treated?
The treatment you receive for your work-related injury depends on which structures are affected and the degree of damage. Your podiatrist at Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center prepares an individualized treatment plan for you that could contain therapies such as:
- Taping
- Bracing
- Splinting
- Wound management
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics
- Laser treatment
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Joint injections
If you have a fracture, you might need to wear a cast for a while. You might also need surgery if your foot or ankle injury is severe or isn’t improving after following a treatment plan.
If you experience a work-related injury to your feet or ankles, expert therapy at Sacramento Foot and Ankle Center is the best way to get back on your feet. Call today to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.
