Ankle Fracture Causing CRPS – Accident Injury Lawyers

Can ankle fractures result in CRPS?

Yes, ankle fractures and accidents that cause crushed ankle injuries can lead to a diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome, also known as CRPS. Damage to the ankles is a very common injury, usually from a trip and fall or slip and fall. You can also hurt your ankle in car accidents, whether you’re in the driver’s seat or injured as a pedestrian by a careless driver.

Complex regional pain syndrome normally happens in the arm or leg, around and near the injury site. This can happen from injuries to the ankle, like a fracture or sprain. The condition is characterized by numerous symptoms, primarily, pain that is persistent beyond the usual recovery period.

As a victim of careless or reckless conduct, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit for monetary compensation. For more information on filing a claim, talk to an attorney with experience in complex regional pain syndrome and other nerve disorders.

What are the Symptoms of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome?

The most obvious symptom of CRPS is pain of a chronic nature that doesn’t go away or improve. The pain may be continuous, or it may flare up and go away, only to start again. CRPS is generally a nerve disorder, but there is a type of CPRS known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Those with RSD have chronic pain without any damage to the nerves.

CRPS can result in pain that feels from different for each person. For example, some people report a burning sensation, while others say it’s a squeezing or constricting sensation. You may feel pain in the entire limb, even if the injury only affects a small area. In addition, there have been cases where the pain travels to the other limb.

Here are some other symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome that are reported by patients:

• Swelling
• Changes in skin color
• Changes in skin temperature (skin is cooler or warmer than normal)
• Difference in skin texture
• Stiffness in the joint
• Sweating at unusual times
• Stiffening of the joint
• Excessive sweating
• Impaired range of motion
• Changes in skin, hair, and nail growth pattern
• Tremors or jerking in the affected limb

What are the Causes of CRPS?

Complex regional syndrome is common, but not everyone who is injured will end up with the disorder. Frankly, this is a somewhat mysterious condition, as we still have no definitive answers on why some patients are afflicted, while others are not. But it’s clear that over 90% of patients with CRPS have suffered a serious injury, like a broken ankle from falling down the steps.

Along with fractures, soft tissue injuries and sprains are the leading cause of complex regional pain syndrome. There are also a considerable number of people who develop CRPS after a surgical procedure to treat the ankle fracture.

When it comes to the actual cause of CRPS, most doctors believe that the condition is due to malfunctions in the peripheral nerves. As a result, pain signals are sent to the brain even after the injury is completely healed. This causes the nerve fibers to release substances that cause swelling, inflammation and other symptoms of complex regional pain syndrome.

Diagnosing CRPS and RSD

When a doctor makes a diagnosis of CRPS, they are doing so primarily on the symptoms that are reported by the patient. Physicians must also examine the patient’s history of previous injuries, particularly in and around the limb that is affected by chronic pain. One possible test that may be used by your doctor is a triple bone scan. This is a test that’s helpful in detecting the signs of excessive bone resorption, where the bone cells break down, causing calcium to release into your bloodstream.

Treating Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

The truth is, CPRS is a very difficult disease when it comes to treatment, and the right course of action will vary significantly from one patient to another. People with the disorder may also need to try multiple therapies in combination with medications that change over time. In cases where the pain impairs your ability to do basic tasks, occupational therapy may be recommended by your doctor. Common treatments for those with complex regional pain syndrome include:

• OTC pain medications, like ibuprofen
• Prescription pain meds
• Corticosteroid to help with inflammation
• Topical creams
• Ketamine or dextromethorphan
• Botulinum toxin
• Calcitonin
• Anti-seizure medications
• Psychotropic meds for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders

Deadline for an Ankle Fracture / Crushed Ankle Injury Claim

Even if you have clear and extensive showing the defendant is at fault, your case can fall apart if you don’t file a personal injury claim by the statute of limitations. California law requires accident victims to file a lawsuit no less than 2 years from the day of the accident. However, if the cause and/or location of the accident is a government entity, you have 6 months to submit the appropriate claims forms, which will vary from agency to agency. Both private and public entity claims have their own rules and procedures, so make sure to consult a lawyer who specializes in chronic pain and other complications from an ankle fracture.

Contact a CRPS Injury Lawyer

When you suffer an injury, there is nothing more you desire than getting through the recovery process and moving on with your life. But complications like CPRS and RSD can hold you back physically, emotionally, and financially.

Our goal is to fight for your interests and ensure that the negligent party is held accountable for what they did to you. With the lawyers of Kenmore by your side, you can be sure of receiving the highest possible settlement from a CRPS caused by an ankle fracture lawsuit. To get started on a claim with help from one of our attorneys, please schedule a free initial consultation.

Zero Fee Guarantee

Kenmore Law Group offers a Zero Fee Guarantee, meaning you will never pay out of pocket to hire a personal injury lawyer. We cover the cost of investigating your case, filing a lawsuit, and taking your case to court if need be. Our payment is deducted from the compensation you receive, meaning we have to win your case in order to get paid. For more information on this policy and all the other ways we can assist you, contact our office today.