Feet and toes injuries can occur unexpectedly The most common causes of workplace foot or toe injuries are from slips, trips, falls, cuts, sprains, burns, or crush injuries. The foot contains 26 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
Dr. Azouz will start with a physical examination to determine the severity of the injury. He will review x-ray images to check the alignment of the bones and rule out any fractures. Surgery may be required to repair any fractures, tendons, or ligaments that can cause pain, swelling, limited movement, or difficulty walking.
The specific procedure depends on the type of injury and its location. Dr. Azouz can use pins, screws, or plates to repair any fractures. He can also repair any nearby ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, or nerves.
Dr. Azouz will use sedation with a nerve block for foot or toe surgery. The patient will be sedated in a deep sleep to help them relax. A nerve block will be injected for pain which numbs the affected foot and can last up to 24 hours.
Dr. Azouz will apply a splint after the procedure to protect the foot or toe. He will see patients for routine follow-up visits for instructions on caring for any pins, dressings, and splints. It can take between 3-6 weeks before patients can start standing or walking comfortably. Therapy may be recommended to help heal the injury and regain movement and strength.
As with any foot surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Dr. Azouz will use precise techniques and medication for the best possible outcome.
Since the injury occurred at work, most workers’ compensation carriers cover the cost of surgery as deemed medically necessary. The cost can include worker productivity loss and wages, medical costs, uninsured costs, and administrative expenses. Employers should consider the financial concerns as well as the time it takes to recover from workplace injuries.
English
Spanish