Ankle and foot injuries in car accidents are more common than people believe. The muscles and bones in the feet are very small and intricate. Even a small fracture or torn ligament can be very painful and take months to heal. With feet being the foundation of our mobility, an injury to the ankle or foot can really hinder a person’s day-to-day life.

Here is an overview of the three main types of ankle and foot injuries in car accidents.

Lacerations, puncture wounds, and bruising:

Lacerations, puncture wounds, and severe bruising are common personal injuries that result from car accidents. Although they may seem less severe than broken bones, they still can keep drivers off their feet and out from driving a car for weeks. If these injuries are not dealt with properly, further complications can arise. Bleeding in the muscle tissue often causes the foot to swell and expand, and this excessive pressure can cause permanent nerve damage. 

Ligament, tendon, and muscle sprains:

Torn ligaments and muscle tissue are also common personal injuries in car accidents. Ligaments and tendons are strong flexible tissues that help to hold bones together. Torn ligaments, ruptured tendons, and muscle tears can entail extensive surgery and physical therapy. Often with these injuries, the victim cannot put any weight on their foot for weeks or even months.

Broken bones and fractures:

Common fractures in the bones of the foot and ankle include lateral or medial malleolus fractures, metatarsal fractures and calcaneus (heel bone) fractures. Lateral and medial malleolus fractures are broken or cracked bones in the ankle. Screws, plates, and rods could be necessary for the injury to heal. Metatarsal fractures occur in the top of the foot before the ball. Calcaneus fractures may require extensive surgery and physical therapy.

Mr. Lanzi has represented a number of clients who have sustained serious ankle and foot injuries in car accidents. Mr. Lanzi represented a client who was an un-seat belted passenger in a mini-van where the driver lost control and the van rolled on its side for several hundred feet. The client suffered serious leg and foot injuries from the acccident.

For more information about common ankle and foot injuries that could occur if you are involved in car accidents, please contact Towson personal injury attorney J. Neil Lanzi.