Foot & Ankle Injury Lawyer

At the Law Office of Paul M. Marriett we deal with all types of injuries following vehicle and auto crashes. These situations can result in a variety of injuries, including fractures to the feet and ankles. Fractures occur when there is a break or crack in the bone, and they can range in severity from mild to severe.

An ankle fracture is a break in one or more of the bones that make up the ankle joint. The ankle joint is made up of three bones: the tibia, fibula, and talus. Fractures can occur in any of these three bones, as well as in the ligaments and cartilage that surround and support the ankle joint.

Five of the most common types of fractures that can occur to the feet and ankles in a car crash are the following:

In a car crash, the most common type of ankle fracture is a lateral malleolus fracture. This occurs when the fibula, which is the smaller bone on the outside of the ankle, is broken. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

Another type of ankle fracture that can occur in a car crash is a medial malleolus fracture. This occurs when the tibia, which is the larger bone on the inside of the ankle, is broken. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

A third type of ankle fracture that can occur in a car crash is a bimalleolar fracture. This occurs when both the fibula and tibia are broken. Symptoms can include severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected foot or ankle. Treatment typically involves surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the ankle joint, followed by immobilization with a cast or brace and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

In addition to these three types of ankle fractures, a car crash can also cause a fracture to the talus bone, which is the bone that sits between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery.

A talus fracture is a serious injury that can occur in a car crash, and it can lead to a variety of complications. The talus bone is an important bone that sits between the heel bone and the tibia and fibula, and it plays a key role in the movement and stability of the ankle joint.

Complications that can arise from a talus fracture include:

Avascular Necrosis – talus fractures can disrupt the blood supply to the bone, which can lead to avascular necrosis. This is a condition in which the bone tissue dies and can no longer function properly. Avascular necrosis can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, and even the need for ankle fusion surgery.

Arthritis – talus fractures can also cause arthritis in the ankle joint, which can cause pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. Arthritis can develop over time and may require long-term treatment, including medication, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

Non-Union – in some cases, a talus fracture may not heal properly and can result in a non-union. This means that the bones do not fuse back together, and the patient may experience chronic pain and instability in the ankle joint.

To address these complications, ankle fusion surgery or a drill and fill procedure may be necessary. Ankle fusion surgery involves permanently fusing the bones of the ankle joint together, which can provide stability but also limits mobility. This procedure is typically reserved for cases where there is severe arthritis or other damage to the ankle joint.

A drill and fill procedure is a minimally invasive surgical technique that involves drilling into the damaged bone and injecting bone graft material to encourage healing and promote bone growth. This procedure is often used to treat non-unions and can help restore function to the ankle joint.

A talus fracture can lead to a variety of complications, including avascular necrosis, arthritis, and non-union. To address these complications, ankle fusion surgery or a drill and fill procedure may be necessary. If you have suffered a talus fracture in a car crash, it is important to seek medical attention right away to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.

Calcaneus Fractures – calcaneus fractures occur when the heel bone is fractured. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot or ankle. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. Possible complications can include chronic pain, arthritis, and decreased range of motion. Recovery time can range from several weeks to several months.

Metatarsal Fractures – metatarsal fractures occur when one of the long bones in the foot is fractured. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. Possible complications can include chronic pain, arthritis, and decreased range of motion. Recovery time can range from several weeks to several months.

Lisfranc Fractures – lisfranc fractures occur when there is a fracture or dislocation in the midfoot. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. Possible complications can include chronic pain, arthritis, and decreased range of motion. Recovery time can range from several weeks to several months.

Toe Fractures – toe fractures occur when one of the smaller bones in the foot is fractured. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected foot. Treatment can include immobilization with a cast or brace, surgery, and physical therapy to aid in recovery. Possible complications can include chronic pain, arthritis, and decreased range of motion. Recovery time can range from several weeks to several months.

Contact A Rockford Foot & Ankle Injury Attorney For Help

If you or a loved one is facing a complicated medical situation involving significant damage to a foot or ankle, and you have questions, we’re here to help – reach out today to a Rockford personal injury lawyer to learn more, you can call or text message us 24/7/365 at 815-391-0089, reach us securely through our home page, or email Paul directly at paul@marriettlegal.com for assistance.