Both car accidents and slip and fall accidents are common causes of ankle and foot injuries. These injuries can result in pain, as well as long-term mobility issues.
Feet do a lot of work for most people, and any injury to them can have a negative impact on mobility, quality of life, and independence.
Ankle & Foot Injuries from Slip and Fall Accidents
Common injuries in slip and fall accidents include:
- Strains and sprains
- Fractures
- Achilles tendon tears
- Dislocated toes
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
While a simple sprain is the most common injury, it should still be taken seriously. A severe sprain can weaken your ankle permanently, and can even lead to chronic arthritis and instability in the long term.
Ankle & Foot Injuries from Car Accidents\
Common injuries in car accidents include:
- Compartment Syndrome
- Lisfranc fractures
- Heel bone fractures
76% of these injuries occur in front-end collision accidents.
What is compartment syndrome?
Your foot contains four large compartments. Each of these compartments are surrounded by fascia which serve to keep the tissues of the foot in palace. They don’t stretch or expand.
When the foot swells or when internal bleeding occurs, pressure builds within these compartments. This can decrease blood flow to the point where nerves become damaged. This syndrome is extremely painful.
If this syndrome isn’t treated quickly enough, it can lead to long-term muscle and nerve damage. Doctors must move quickly to safely relieve the pressure. It can be caused by a fracture, a badly bruised muscle, or a crush injury.
What is a lisfranc fracture?
Your “lisfranc” is the middle of your foot. There are five bones there, all relatively delicate. A lisfranc injury occurs when these bones are broken. The ligaments in this area of the foot may also be torn.
This area of your foot is fundamental to your ability to walk or run. It’s usually unwise to put any weight on the foot while it’s healing. It can take six to eight weeks for this injury to heal, and if it does not heal correctly your mobility and quality of life may be severely compromised.
Average Healthcare Costs for Ankle & Foot Injuries
A sprain or a strain is relatively inexpensive, with costs ranging from $292 to $2,268.
An ankle fracture can cost between $1,908 to $19,555.
A foot fracture can cost between $998 to $21,801.
Compartment syndrome costs are far higher. You can expect to pay as much as $79,000 if you sustain one of these injuries. This is because compartment syndrome usually requires doctors to perform a surgical procedure known as an emergency fasciotomy. It can take three to four months to recover from this surgery, and you will generally need up to three days of hospital care.
Any of these injuries could require a course of physical therapy for two to three months, to the tune of $150 per weekly session.
Fortunately, you shouldn’t have to pay for these injuries out of pocket. We can help you get reimbursement both from your own insurance policies and from the negligent party’s insurance company.
