What Should I Do if I Injure My Feet at Work?
If you injure your feet or lower legs at work, visit our offices immediately for an exam and treatment. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you can begin to heal and return to work.
For workers’ compensation claims, it’s important to get care immediately to avoid hassle and prevent having to pay out-of-pocket costs for your medical care.
Also, you can treat foot and ankle work-related injuries that occur because of the shoes you wear for work or standing on your feet for long periods with custom orthotics, padding, and physical therapy.
While an accident at work does not typically cause these injuries, daily wear-and-tear can cause chronic foot issues that require treatment.
What Type of Work-Related Injuries Do Podiatrists Treat?
There are a variety of work-related injuries that our podiatrists treat, including:
- Cuts and punctures
- Crush injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Muscle strains
- Ankle and foot fractures
- Bruising
For severe injuries that damage the tissues of your foot, ankle, or leg significantly, we work with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Center for Limb Preservation to avoid amputation or loss of your limb whenever possible.
How are Workplace Injuries Treated?
Treatment for your workplace injury depends on your diagnosis and comfort level. We first aim to reduce any pain you’re feeling, either with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, injections, or other medications.
When your pain is under control, your provider works with you to develop an effective treatment plan to help you heal so you can return to work and your normal daily activities. Treatments can include:
- Bracing, splinting, taping, or casting
- Wound management
- Custom orthotics
- Laser treatment
- Physical therapy
Surgical treatment is available when necessary and is always completed in a timely manner to reduce your risk of amputation, blood loss, and infection.
How Can I Avoid a Work Related Injury?
If you want to avoid a workplace injury in the future, your provider can help you choose the best shoes for your job — including anti-fatigue soles, cushioned soles, and proper ankle support — and give you guidelines to care for your feet during and after your workday.
For the quick and reliable treatment of work-related injuries, call us or schedule a visit online now.
