US Postal Carrier for 18yrs.suffering from Left Foot/Ankle Problems

[Steph_annie]

I'm a US Postal employee and have carried mail for 18yrs.  I'm currently recovering from a stress fx of the 2nd lft metatarsal.  I had and MRI that showed a partially heald fx. 2nd lft. metatarsal, bursitis 1st, 2nd, & 3rd intermetatarsal and a chronic high-grade partial-thickness tear anterior talofibular ligament & very high-grade near full-thickness tear of the calcaneofibular ligament.  I've been off work for @ 4mos. & I've been currently doing physical therapy. I'm still experiencing significant pain with normal activity & my Dr. says it's okay to return to my full duties at work.  Since doing my job caused my condition what will be the consequences if any of returning to those duties without being fully healed?  I still have several years before retirement, what is the likelihood of future complications?  Should I be considering a new position within the post office or a new line of work?

[Steph_annie]

Thanks very helpful input.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, this would be a difficult question to answer without knowing the clinical details i.e. the time since the injury, the severity of the injury and the amount of healing that has already taken place. If it has already been a few months since the injury, further immobilization may not be of much benefit; though this decision is best taken by your treating doctor. You may also consider a second opinion by another orthopedician to be certain of the management plan.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!