Foot and Ankle Injuries From Car Accidents!

Foot and Ankle Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents often cause traumatic injuries to various parts of the body and the foot and ankle are no exception. These areas are vulnerable due to their position during a crash—usually pressed against the pedals, floorboard, or braced for impact. Dr. Deryk Harting, a talented member of one of the highest rated car accident medical care organizations in Florida, discusses foot and ankle injuries from car accidents.

The foot and ankle are complex structures designed to provide stability, mobility, and support. They consist of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments which all work together to support the body’s weight and facilitate movement.

The ankle joint is made up of three primary bones: the tibia (shinbone), fibula (smaller lower leg bone), and the talus (a small bone that forms the lower part of the ankle joint). The foot contains 26 bones and is divided into three sections:

• Hindfoot: Includes the talus and calcaneus (heel bone).
• Midfoot: Made up of the navicular, cuboid, and three cuneiform bones.
• Forefoot: Includes the metatarsals and phalanges (toe bones).

The ankle joint and subtalar joint (below the ankle) allow up-and-down and side-to-side movements, while numerous smaller joints in the foot provide flexibility. Ligaments connect bones to other bones, stabilizing joints, while tendons connect muscles to bones, providing movement.

During a car accident, the feet and ankles are often at risk due to their location. Several factors contribute to these injuries:

• Pedal Impact: When the foot is braced against the brake or accelerator, the force of the collision can transfer through the pedals to the foot and ankle.
• Compression Injuries: In severe accidents, the vehicle’s structure may collapse, trapping or crushing the feet.
• Twisting Forces: Sudden rotation of the body during impact can twist the ankle or foot, causing ligament, tendon, or bone damage.
• High Impact Forces: The sheer force of the collision can fracture bones or dislocate joints.

Common Foot and Ankle Injuries from Car Accidents

1. Fractures

Fractures are among the most common injuries to the foot and ankle in car accidents.

• Ankle Fractures: These involve breaks in the tibia, fibula, or talus. Severe fractures may disrupt the stability of the ankle joint and require surgery.
• Calcaneal (Heel) Fractures: High energy crashes can shatter the calcaneus, the largest bone in the foot, leading to long recovery times and possibly chronic pain.
• Metatarsal Fractures: The long bones in the forefoot may break when crushed or twisted.

2. Sprains and Strains

• Ankle Sprains: Damage to the ligaments that support the ankle is common when the joint is twisted or rolled during an accident.
• Tendon Strains: Muscle tendons in the foot or ankle can be overstretched or torn due to sudden force.

3. Dislocations

Dislocations occur when bones are forced out of their normal positions in the joint. For example:

• Ankle Dislocations: The talus may become displaced from the tibia and fibula and are often associated with fractures.
• Midfoot (Lisfranc) Dislocations: High and excessive forces can disrupt the alignment of the midfoot bones due to fractures or torn ligaments, leading to instability and difficulty walking.

4. Crush Injuries

When the foot or ankle is trapped under debris or the vehicle’s structure, it can lead to severe crush injuries. These may involve:

• Multiple fractures
• Soft tissue damage
• Compartment syndrome (increased pressure in the muscles that restricts blood flow, which can be severe and require surgery).

5. Achilles Tendon Ruptures

The Achilles tendon can tear during a crash if it is subjected to extreme stretching or trauma. This injury causes immediate pain and difficulty walking.

Treatment for foot and ankle injuries varies based on severity. Minor injuries, such as sprains and small fractures, often respond well to conservative methods like rest, ice, and physical rehabilitation. More severe injuries, like major fractures, dislocations, or tendon ruptures, typically require surgical intervention to realign bones or repair damaged tissues. Recovery times can range from a few weeks to several months depending on the extent of the injury.

Foot and ankle injuries from car accidents can significantly impact mobility and quality of life. While some injuries heal with conservative treatment, others may require surgical intervention and long-term care. If you experience foot or ankle pain after a car accident, seeking prompt medical attention is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

— This article is written by Deryk Harting, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Florida.

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