Ligament Injuries After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey

Knee ligament (car accident)

On the evening of June 11, I was involved in a car accident that resulted in a fracture of my right hand and a ligament injury in my left foot.
That night, an X-ray confirmed the fracture in my right hand, but there was no fracture in my left foot.
However, the doctors at the hospital did not arrange for an MRI or ultrasound to assess the severity of the ligament injury.
The doctors observed that I could bend and extend my left foot, but I am unable to bear weight or walk on it.
Whenever I try to walk, the ligaments on the inner side of my left foot become extremely painful.
The only inconvenience is that I cannot bear weight.
The doctor did not provide much information, only suggesting that I should observe the situation for a few weeks.
After a few weeks, if my recovery does not improve, surgery may be necessary.
I am wondering why the doctors did not perform surgery on my left foot at the same time as my right hand fracture.
I can bend and extend my foot without issue while lying in bed, but I am concerned about how long it will take before I can walk safely again.
Thank you for your assistance, doctor!

Gao Putong, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/06/16

Dr. Xie Hongjia reply Orthopedics

Dear Miss Gao,
Regarding your inquiry, it is difficult to determine the situation based solely on your description.
We recommend that you schedule an appointment for an in-person consultation at the outpatient clinic.
The Hualien Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare cares about your health.

Reply Date: 2020/06/16

More Info

In the aftermath of a car accident, it is not uncommon for patients to experience a range of injuries, including fractures and ligament injuries. In your case, you mentioned suffering a right hand fracture and a left foot ligament injury. While the X-ray confirmed the fracture in your right hand, the left foot did not show any fractures, which is why the doctors may not have immediately recommended further imaging like an MRI or ultrasound to assess the ligaments.

Ligament injuries can be quite complex and may not always be visible on X-rays. They often require more advanced imaging techniques to evaluate the extent of the damage. The fact that you are experiencing significant pain when attempting to bear weight on your left foot suggests that there may be a more serious injury to the ligaments, such as a sprain or tear. Ligament injuries can vary in severity, ranging from mild sprains that heal with conservative treatment to complete tears that may require surgical intervention.

The decision not to operate on your left foot at the same time as your right hand may be due to several factors. Surgeons often prioritize injuries based on their severity and the potential for recovery. Since your left foot was not fractured and exhibited some range of motion, the doctors may have opted for a conservative approach initially, allowing time for observation and natural healing. However, if your condition does not improve after a few weeks, further intervention may be necessary.

Regarding your concerns about when you can safely walk again, this largely depends on the severity of the ligament injury. Generally, mild to moderate ligament injuries may take several weeks to heal, while more severe injuries could take several months. Physical therapy is often recommended to help regain strength and mobility in the affected area. It is crucial to follow your doctor's advice and not rush the healing process, as this could lead to further complications or prolonged recovery.

If you continue to experience pain and difficulty with weight-bearing activities, it is essential to communicate this with your healthcare provider. They may consider additional imaging to assess the ligaments and determine the best course of action. If surgery is indicated, it may involve repairing the damaged ligaments to restore stability to your foot.

In summary, ligament injuries can be challenging to diagnose and treat, especially when they occur alongside fractures. It is important to remain vigilant about your symptoms and maintain open communication with your healthcare team. They can provide guidance on rehabilitation and help you understand the timeline for recovery. If you have concerns about your progress or the pain you are experiencing, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or request further evaluation. Your recovery is paramount, and ensuring that you receive the appropriate care is essential for a successful outcome.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Ligament Injuries After a Car Accident: A Patient's Journey

Hello Dr. Chen Yong-Hsueh, I would like to inquire about an injury I sustained in a car accident. I experienced a significant impact, which resulted in an injury to my right knee. The diagnosis at that time was as follows: "According to the diagnostic certificate from Tien C...

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics
Hello, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is often difficult to diagnose in the early stages due to swelling in the knee joint. Typically, a definitive diagnosis can only be made after the swelling subsides and a physical examination is conducted. Ultimately, confirmation o...

Managing Ligament Injuries After a Car Accident: Care and Recovery Tips

Hello, doctor. You mentioned that the reason could be (the ligament may have been severely injured, and although some time has passed, there may be laxity or instability in the ligament, which could lead to recurrent pain). What should I do? How should I take care of it? Should I...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
If wearing an ankle brace for rehabilitation doesn't help, go back to the hospital to consult with a physician for further evaluation.

Navigating Complex Orthopedic Issues After a Car Accident

I was involved in a car accident a year ago, resulting in a fracture and protrusion between my left neck and clavicle, as well as a deviation of the left neck muscles. Approximately a year ago, after the accident, I consulted many doctors at the hospital, and most advised against...

Dr. Chen Xingyuan reply Orthopedics
Dear netizen: The symptoms you described, such as "aching and tingling sensations in both legs," could indeed be indicative of sciatica caused by lumbar spine issues. However, further physical examination and possibly imaging studies are necessary to confirm the diagnos...

Overcoming Severe Leg Injuries After a Car Accident: My Journey

I was in a car accident where the other driver was going the wrong way, and I was thrown from the impact. I suffered compound fractures of both femurs and tibias, with bone protruding through the skin, and I had dislocated knees along with comminuted fractures in both lower legs....

Dr. You Dianqi reply Orthopedics
Hello, from your article, I can sense that you indeed suffered a very serious injury, yet you still optimistically describe the beauty of the world. You are very brave, keep it up! Given that you had an open fracture and a dislocated knee, which indicates potential ligament issue...