Inquiring About Recovery from Ankle Injury
I am a 41-year-old woman, weighing 260 pounds and standing at 5 feet 5 inches. On February 5th, I was involved in a car accident that wasn't my fault, during which I had to slam on the brakes, resulting in a fractured ankle. Afterward, I was fitted with a walking boot for about four to five weeks. Currently, I am using a brace at work, and while at home, I've mostly been trying to rest and refrain from using any support. Despite the injury, I returned to my job as an assistant manager at a car repair shop the very next day. I haven't taken sick leave or left work early since the accident. My workplace has been accommodating by allowing me to use a stool, enabling me to avoid standing for prolonged periods, which has proven essential since my ankle begins to throb after just a few minutes of being on my feet. For several weeks, both my direct supervisor and the district manager have been inquiring about how long I will require the stool. I find myself perplexed by their concern. I continue to perform my tasks to the best of my abilities, retrieving information from vehicles outside and communicating effectively with my colleagues. I only take a seat at the counter when attending to customers or during quieter moments, which are infrequent. I am reaching out to find out how much longer I should anticipate needing the stool as a crutch during my recovery. I'm also curious as to why my management seems to express frustration regarding this situation. I feel bewildered, as I certainly didn't bring this ankle injury upon myself, nor am I failing to fulfill my work responsibilities. I have remained dedicated and hardworking despite these challenging conditions, and the apparent lack of understanding and empathy from my superiors is somewhat disheartening. They seem to expect me to navigate 10-hour shifts on an injured ankle—does anyone else think this is an unreasonable expectation? I would appreciate any insight or advice you can provide.
Answers (1)
3/28/2025, 12:20:49 AM
OpenHealth AI
In summary: Your recovery from an ankle injury and the need for a stool at work may depend on your healing progress, as well as the expectations of your workplace. It’s crucial to prioritize your health and recovery while navigating workplace dynamics.
Healing from a fractured ankle can vary significantly based on the severity of the injury, your overall health, and activity levels. Generally, after a fracture, it may take several weeks to a few months to fully heal. Since your injury was in early February and you've been using a brace while trying to rest, you might still feel discomfort, especially during longer shifts or when standing for extended periods.
Here are some prioritized steps for your situation:
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Listen to Your Body: Since you're still experiencing throbbing pain after being on your feet for a few minutes, it indicates that your ankle is still in the healing phase. It's essential to prioritize your comfort and avoid situations that exacerbate your pain.
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Communicate with Your Supervisors: It might be helpful to have an open conversation with your supervisors. Share that recovery from an ankle fracture takes time, and using a stool helps prevent further injury. Emphasize that you are still committed to fulfilling your work responsibilities while ensuring you do not compromise your recovery.
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Monitor Your Progress: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice some improvement like less pain or increased stamina while standing, you might gradually reduce reliance on the stool. Consider timing yourself and seeing how long you can stand without pain, and share this progress with your supervisors.
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Consider Occupational Adjustments: Ask if there are modifications that can help you, such as shorter shifts, alternating between sitting and standing more frequently, or other accommodations that suit both your health needs and job requirements.
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Self-Care at Home: Continue to rest and elevate your ankle when possible, use ice to reduce swelling if it recurs, and engage in gentle stretches or physical therapy exercises as advised by a medical professional to strengthen your ankle.
Lastly, workplace expectations can often be difficult to navigate, especially when health issues are at play. It’s reasonable to seek understanding from your work environment regarding your recovery needs. Remember, your health should be a priority, and it’s important to take the time you need to heal fully. If you feel comfortable, seek feedback from your workplace health provider specific to your situation. Please let me know if you need additional information or support.
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