Foot Injuries at Work
We all rely on our feet to take us wherever we need to go, so even minor foot injuries can have a big impact on our lives. There are two primary types of occupational foot injuries: overuse and acute.
Overuse Foot Injuries
These injuries occur gradually over time, and some of the most common ailments include:
- Tendonitis. This condition involves swelling of the tendons, which are tissues connecting muscles to bones. Tendonitis may be caused by repetitive workplace movements, such as standing, walking, running, and climbing stairs.
- Plantar fasciitis. This painful, chronic heel injury occurs when the band of tissue connecting the toes to the heel is inflamed. Excessive stress caused by a long period of standing or walking on hard surfaces can lead to plantar fasciitis.
- Stress fractures. These injuries are among the most common overuse ailments of the foot, consisting of tiny cracks or bruises of the bone. Typically caused by long periods of overuse or repetitive motions, workplace stress fractures are painful, and can make walking difficult.
Acute Foot Injuries
Acute foot injuries occur when a single incident or accident results in a painful and immediate ailment. Some of the most common examples include:
- Sprained foot. When ligaments are torn or stretched, intense pain, redness, and swelling frequently result. These accidents often occur when slippery walking surfaces cause a worker to stumble and fall.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are always painful, particularly when they are weight-bearing. Bones in the foot may be broken due to crush injuries, direct blows, heavy machinery accidents, and falls.
Receiving Compensation
Foot injuries can make a return to work difficult. According to a Bureau of Labor Statistics report on 2015 injuries, the median missed time from work due to a foot injury was 10 days.
If you’ve suffered a foot injury at work, you’re entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits to help with your medical expenses and lost wages. To learn more about what the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., can do for you, visit us on Facebook.