Occupational Injuries of the Foot & Ankle

Learning Objectives
Ability to identify the most commonly seen injuries of the lower extremity in the workplace, including those involving tendons, muscles and fractures, i.e. Achilles & metatarsal fractures.
Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the mechanism & causation of injuries, i.e. repetition and overuse in day-to-day job activities and/or other demanding physical duties.
Describe specific symptoms associated with injury; i.e., soreness, stiffness, a sound at time of break, pain, swelling/bruising, open skin over fracture, displacement or difficulty with weight bearing.
: Identify the specific diagnostic and physical examination protocols for discerning extent/severity of injury: Thompson Test, OBrien Needle Test, X-ray, MRI Imaging and radiograph.
Discuss the conservative and surgical treatment options for common foot/ankle injuries i.e. walking boot, immobilization, oral medications, injections, PT, open surgery.
Explain the return to work and rehabilitation protocols for lower extremity injuries, including specific work restrictions/accommodations and anticipated timeframes post-surgical and/or post- physical therapy with or without injections or NSAIDS.