Missouri Dog Bite Lawyers
Ankle Injury Or Fracture Secondary To A Dog Attack
When faced with a "mean looking" dog, the typical first thought is turn and run – particularly if that dog suddenly charges at you in attack. Ankle injuries are a common running injury, in which a rotational force (often caused by an uneven step) causes the ligaments stabilizing the ankle bones to stretch and weaken. If the rotational force is strong enough, the bones in the ankle can actually break or fracture.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of an ankle injury during a dog attack are pain and instability. Occasionally, a twisted ankle may have some initial swelling that improves over the first 24-48 hours. With an ankle fracture, the picture is very similar – the ankle may swell and bruising may or may not be present. However, with an ankle fracture it will be extremely painful for the individual to place minimal weight on that leg making it almost impossible to walk.
Treatment and Prognosis
A twisted ankle may be treated conservatively with rest, ice, and elevation for the first couple days. It may be beneficial to wear an ankle brace for the first couple weeks as the ankle regains its' strength. Activity other than walking should be avoided for the first couple weeks and then slowly restarted. Initially, the ankle will be more susceptible to twisting again but if given time to heal, may completely return to normal.
Treatment for an ankle fracture will depend on the stability of the joint and the alignment of the bones. If the joint appears stable and the bones are aligned properly for appropriate healing, a cast may be used to immobilize the joint while it heals. If the bones are not aligned properly, the joint appears unstable, or the articulating joints do not appear smooth, surgery could be recommended. During surgery, metal pins may be placed to help realign the bones or stabilize the joint; additionally, uneven articulating surfaces may be sanded to smooth out the surfaces that have contact with one another during movement.
Ankle fractures typically have a good recovery. You may notice you're your ankle feels weak for up to 12-18 months after injury, increasing the chance of spraining or twisting the ankle during this time. Also, you will have an increased risk of developing arthritis in the ankle at an earlier age.
Legal Rights of Missouri Dog Bite Victims
The dedicated St. Louis dog bite lawyers at Page Law are on your side if you've been attacked by a vicious dog in Missouri. During this difficult time, you should be concentrating on healing, emotionally and physically. We will use our extensive experience of injury law to help you get the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact our attorneys - call (314) 322-8515 today for a free consultation today.
