Ankle Injury

Injuries to the ankle comprise a large portion of personal injury claims. An ankle injury can be brought on by multiple different causes. As a Boston ankle injury lawyer, I have represented many people who have suffered ankle injuries due to negligence.

  • Effective Management and Recovery from Ankle Injuries: To aid recovery from an injured ankle, especially if you aim to return to play sports, initial steps include applying ice to reduce swelling and wrapping the ankle with an elastic bandage. This is supported by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, which advises limiting movement to prevent further damage to the ankle joint. Incorporating physical therapy early on, under the guidance of a professional physical therapist, can facilitate a more efficient healing process. Techniques may include gentle range of motion exercises to regain flexibility and strengthening exercises to support the foot and ankle, gradually progressing to activities that simulate the demands of your sport.
  • Preventative Strategies for Ankle Health: To minimize the risk of ankle injuries, especially for individuals frequently walking or running on uneven surfaces, adopting preventive measures is key. Strengthening exercises for the muscles around the ankle joint, as recommended by physical therapists, can enhance stability. Regularly moving your ankle through its full range of motion can also maintain or improve flexibility, further protecting against sprains or fractures. These practices are essential for athletes or anyone engaged in physical activities to maintain optimal ankle health and performance.
  • The Aftermath of An Ankle Injury: Following an ankle injury, it’s crucial to assess the ability to bear weight on the affected limb and seek medical evaluation to understand the extent of the injury, including whether there are sprains, fractures, or other issues connecting bones within the ankle. Treatment often involves a period of rest, during which ice should be applied for 20 minutes at a time to manage pain and swelling, and physical therapy to restore function and mobility. If the injury resulted from negligence, consulting with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney experienced in ankle injuries can provide guidance on pursuing a claim for compensation to cover medical expenses, including costs associated with rehabilitation and any lost wages due to time away from work or sports.

Common Ankle Injuries

  • Sprains – This is the most common type of ankle injury. Each day 25,000 people sprain an ankle. An ankle sprain is when ligaments of the ankle are injured. These range from mild to severe. An inversion ankle sprain is the most common form of an ankle sprain. Crutches as well as a walking boot may be given to one who has suffered this injury. In time the sprain should heal well.
  • Fractures – Also quite common are ankle fractures. These are breaks to the bones in the ankle. There are different types of fractures than can result to the ankle. A displaced fracture is when the ankle moves out of place. A non-displaced ankle fracture is when the broken bone is not moved out of place. Depending on the severity of the fracture, surgery may or may not be necessary.

Accidents That Can Cause Ankle Injuries

What Should You Do After An Ankle Injury?

Depending on the severity of the injury, it is wise to get checked out by a competent medical professional. The medical exam will help to determine the scope and severity of the injury. If you have not already done so, make sure to report the accident (assuming it has not been reported already) to the appropriate party. Be sure not to speak with any insurance adjuster that call you. Also, don’t sign any paperwork that any insurance company sends to you following the injury. By signing certain forms, you may be settling your case without even knowing it.

Next, if you feel the accident was caused due to negligence and you want to pursue a claim, you should contact a personal injury attorney that has experience with handling ankle injuries. You can find a great attorney by asking family and friends for a referral, as well as using Google to find the right attorney for you. Be sure to read reviews from past clients before hiring a particular personal injury attorney in Massachusetts.

Local Ankle Injury Attorney

Injuries to the ankle sometimes are due to negligence. If you have suffered an ankle injury due to someone’s carelessness I encourage you to contact us at the Earley Law Group Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. If you have not done so already, request our free books that make up The Truth Series that will help you as you navigate the claims process following your accident. Call us today at 617-444-7777 to get started with your case. We are excited to help you.