Ankle Fracture

Getting into a serious auto accident on the road can result in injuries that take a long period of time to heal. As a Seattle Car Accident Attorney, many of the injuries that I have witnessed in auto accidents are caused by serious trauma to the lower body. While seatbelts and airbags have substantially reduced the fatality rate of auto accidents, vehicle occupants can sustain serious injuries even when using these safety devices. Vehicle manufacturers are constantly installing new and innovative technology into automobiles in an effort to increase safety and reduce the number of deaths on the road. Still, the fact remains that few victims of collisions on the roads are able to walk away unscathed.

Most common among joint injuries is the ankle fracture. When an ankle joint is twisted or rolled with more pressure than it can handle, an injury occurs. Ankle fractures can result from common daily activities like playing sports, but can also be caused by a Washington car accident. This is especially common when an accident traps or ejects the vehicle’s occupants. When the ligaments tear, it causes a sprained ankle. When the ankle is pushed to the point of the bone breaking, a fracture is the result. Ankles, while complex in physiology, are primarily made up of three bones: the tibia, the fibula and the talus which come together to make the ankle work properly. When the joint is met with great pressure, the fibula, which is located on the outside of the ankle, is usually the first bone to break.

Various symptoms will be immediately noticeable in the event of an ankle fracture. Severe pain will make bearing weight on the injured foot difficult and it is common for a fair amount of swelling and bruising to appear as well. In most cases, it is beneficial to seek medical attention. The only way to find out the severity of the injury is to take an x-ray of the ankle. Once the extent of the damage is known, then treatment can be determined. For minor injuries, simply wearing a cast or splint can give the foot enough rest to heal by keeping weight off of the injury so the bones may fuse together. More serious ankle fractures may require surgery to ensure full rehabilitation. Still, some injuries are beyond repair.

If you have suffered injury in an auto accident, motorcycle accident or other serious accident click on the proceeding link to order your free copies of the Straight Talk Law books: The Truth About Washington Auto Accidents, and the Truth About Washington Motorcycle Accidents. These books can help you figure out how to handle your case and decide whether or not you need a lawyer.