We all work different jobs, which means some of us don’t have the threat of dropping a 200-pound steel bar on our feet. However, no matter what job you work or what activities you do in your free time, we’re all subject to slip and fall injuries. So today, we’re going to take a closer look at some of the ankle injuries that can occur during a slip and fall accident, and what you should do after each injury.
Ankle Injuries From Slipping
Your ankle is a complex structure, meaning a number of different injuries can occur from what seems like a relatively innocuous fall. Here’s a look at five of the most common injuries.
1. Sprains – If you miss a step or step on uneven ground, your ankle might twist. Unless you catch yourself quickly, that can leave you falling towards the ground. The weight of your falling body is dispersed to whatever is on the ground, which is your feet, and since they are at an odd angle, that weight can cause your ankle to sprain. Minor and moderate ankle sprains can typically be treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation, but if you’re experiencing significant pain and bruising after the fall, reach out to a foot specialist.
2. Fractures – Along those same lines, if you’ve end up putting excessive stress on your foot during a fall, or you fall from a great height and land on your feet, you may suffer a fracture. If you hear a crack or a pop, or you are experiencing a lot of pain after the fall, you may have suffered a fracture and you should have it examined by a professional. In order for it to best heal, it may need to be braced or even surgically addressed depending on the extent of the break.
3. Ligament/Tendon Problems – A sprain involves tearing of the lateral or medial ligaments on either side of the ankle that provide stability to the foot. If the ligaments are severely damaged, or if the tendons tear, it can compromise the stability of your ankle and leave you susceptible to future ankle injuries.
4. Bruising – Bruising goes hand in hand with fractures or sprains, and although even the most mild sprains may lead to bruising, it’s not something to ignore. Bruising can lead to swelling in the foot, and if nerves or blood vessels become compressed, problems can occur. If bruising is accompanied by numbness or tingling, consider visiting a doctor.
5. Lacerations – Finally, if you tumble down a flight of stairs and clip your foot on the handrail or you fall off a ladder onto a bunch of rocks, there’s a chance that you’ll create an open wound on your ankle. If the wound isn’t severe, you may be able to get by with just some gauze and band-aids, but if not, it may need stitches to close. Open gashes can be areas where an infection can easily develop, and a doctor can clean it up and stitch it with ease, so consider visiting a medical center if the wound is larger than one inch.