Chipped ankle - avulsion fracture and sprain

[daynaeman]

I have a right avulsiona fracture and sprain on my ankle which includes a piece of bone that has chipped off.  I am still having lots of pain after 4 weeks, and I am seeking advice.  this happened at work and was filed under workman's comp.  My work has pushed my doctor into releasing me into full duty which required 8 hours of standing, lifting, ect on concrete,  I am concerned that maybe I need surgury and I am having pain in several places of my foot that might be muscles or tendons that were hurt.  When you chip a piece of bone in your ankle, does that normally require surgery?  And, should any other tests be done (other than a initial xray) to determine if there is any other damage?  Please advise, as I feel my doctor is succumbing to my employer and I cant even walk without limping terribly (even with a cam walker boot on).  An honest opinion on what is the norm in this situation would be great.



Sincerely

daynaeman

[star queen]

I don't know what state you are in.  Generally, when you are injured at work they will send you to a doctor under contract with the insurance company.  The idea is to get you back to work ASAP with a full clearance and get you off "payment without performance" pay.  These doctors will often do just that so they won't lose the contract. They work for the insurance company, not you.  Under Worker's Compensation Law, you are allowed to continue your care with a doctor of your choice.  If you decide to go see Doctor X, an orthopedist, for a second opinion, or for further treatment, they must let you go.  Worker's comp will pay for the visit, any xrays ordered, treatment, physical therapy, surgery, etc.  Basically you are transfering yourself from the company doc to one that is your own and they are required to pay.  Go to the Workers Compensation site under your state.  It would be www.workerscompensation.(state).gov Here you will find phone numbers and addresses of the offices in your area where you can go and get advice.  They will tell you your rights under the laws of your state.  Good luck

[sonataracer]

You must see a workers comp doctor for 90 days of your work rellated injury first ,before you can see your own ortho doctors etc.This law is in Pennsylvania.It these doctors dont care about people who get hurt. Hopefully one day these doctors and workers comp have there family members get hurt so they are sent to other workers comp doctors and they cant the same treatment they give. To me they are unprofessional and should be doctors because they lie to the patients.It sad that there are so many serious injurys and these doctors dont care at all. One day God will punish them what you sow you will reap read the bible it will tell you that.I thought that all doctors are caring but not these doctors its ashame they call themselfs Doctors.Well I know there are wonderful professional Doctors out there and I commend there PHD and professionalizm.You doctors that really care bless your hearts.Hope all goes well for you with these worker oomp doctors you really have and injury and the doctors shouldnt play around with your ankle.You could have real problem as you get older and not be able to do your work because these doctors didnt give you the right care.Your ankle is very sentsitive and you might not be the same again.



Good Luck

[daynaeman]

Thank you everyone for your comments.  It really helps.  I appreciate the time taken to answer my questions.  

Dayna

[pj280]

I have the exact injury that you mentioned--I fell down the stairs at work, and left me with the same fracture. This was 31/2 months ago. I have been covered under workman's comp., but I have not been required to see one of their doctors. I went to one that was on call when I was seen in the emergency room. My experience has been fine--have had no problems with workman's comp, and they are even covering physical therapy while i am out of state for the summer.

I do want to say that this type of injury, especially, when you have to be on your feet all day, takes a long time to recover from. My orthopedic doctor tells me this frequently. I commute 2 hours to work, and 2 hours from work each day, and then am on my feet all day. Surgery isn't always necessary with these fractures. This is coming from a doctor that is not a regular workman's comp. doctor. There are some websites you can look at. Many times, the injury is treated as a sprain--because the ligaments tore parts of the bone away when it was injured.

All i can say (and I say this to myself as well, is to continue to be faithful in physical therapy, it is hard work, but it has to be done--be patient, and it will get better. It just takes time.

patty