Tommrow is my dedline to go back to work. I had fractured my fibula bone and sprained my ankle I am required to do a fitness for duty before returning back to work I am suffering a slight limp plus still swelling of the foot and ankle area which is noticeable should I try to take this test at which I will struggle or take more time off? This happened exactly one week ago or risk being fired which will happen if I do not pass the fitness for duty test. How long should I wait for my ankle is actuially heale? I need my job I have 2 kids to help support. Honest answers only please!
2007-01-21 15:34:15 · 5 answers · asked by I love screwdrivers! 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
Depending on which state you live in, the laws are different.
Your Dr should be able to place you on disability for a longer period of time with a fracture and legally (in Calif) the employer can nor fire you. Did this happen at work? If it is a work injury they must see that you are back to optimum health. If it is a work injury call a work comp attorney to understand your rights. They will talk with you for no fee.
One week hardly seems enough time to heal from a fracture and it seems a Dr. would place you off work for longer. You need to ask. What kind of company do you work for that would fire you while you are healing?
Whi is having you take this test? If it the employer and you have to o in, wont whoever gives you the test realize you are not yet well enough if this is the case. The employer does / should not want you to take a chance of you exacerbating (becoming more injured) by goig back to work to soon.
2007-01-21 15:42:26 · answer #1 · answered by lindasue m 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you be honest with your employer. An ankle sprain or strain takes longer than 1 week to heal completely. Let the employer suggest your options.
Also consider a cold compression wrap for your ankle. http://www.coldoneinc.com/ankle_wrap.html.
Strains are injuries that affect muscles or tendons, thick bands that attach muscles to bones. They occur in response to a quick tear, twist, or pull of the muscle. Strains are an acute type of injury that results from overstretching or over contraction. Pain, weakness, and muscle spasms are common symptoms experienced after a strain occurs.
Sprains are injuries that affect ligaments, thick bands of cartilage that attach bone to bone. They occur in response to a stretch or tear of a ligament. Sprains are an acute type of injury that results from trauma such as a fall or outside force that displaces the surrounding joint from its normal alignment. Sprains can range from a mild ligamentous stretch to a complete tear. Bruising, swelling, instability, and painful movement are common symptoms experienced after a sprain occurs.
RICE is the acronym used for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. It is used as the best initial treatment of soft tissue injuries such as sprains, strains, and contusions. The combination of RICE helps reduce inflammation that occurs after acute injury. It is important to remember that the earlier this treatment is put into place, the more effective it is.
Rest: Rest and protect the injured area. If it hurts to bear weight on the injury, use crutches, or a cane.
Ice: Apply ice to the injury. The cold will reduce swelling and pain at the injured site. This step should be done as soon as possible. Apply the frozen object to the area for 20 minutes three times a day for the first 48 hours.
Compression: Compress the injured site. This will decreases swelling of the injured region. Although the wrap should be snug, make sure it is not too tight as this can cause numbness, tingling, or increased pain.
Elevation: Elevate the injured area above the level of the heart as much as possible. This technique will also assist in reducing the amount of swelling to the injured site.
Once the pain and swelling are eliminated, you should start gradual range of motion exercises but not to the point of pain. Each day your range of motion will increase slightly. Continue until you have complete range of motion. Than start gentle strengthening exercises to re-build the strength in the ankle.
The stiffness will go away over time.
Good Luck
2007-01-22 14:00:48 · answer #2 · answered by twocoolinc 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well... it is difficult to answer as I don't know what type of job you have. I was told by a doctor that a broken bone can take up to 6 months to completely heal. You should be asking your doctor about going back to work, and how much your leg can take. One week for a broken leg bone doesn't sound like enough time to me, but I don't know your situation and how much you need to use your leg at work. If you hurt your leg at work then you should be filing for workers compensation, both for paying the bills and so that they can't fire you for the injury.
Sorry, but I don't know enough about your situation, job and degree of injury.
2007-01-21 23:47:17 · answer #3 · answered by Clown Knows 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i know this conflict what most people say but your health is more important... if you do another injury to that ankle it will take along time to heal... injuries need to heal properly.
2007-01-21 23:55:37 · answer #4 · answered by brown eyes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You might think about another job. If you cant pass, you get fired, and if you do pass, you could do further injury to yourself.
2007-01-21 23:44:35 · answer #5 · answered by badbill1941 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋