Workers Compensation Lawyer in Chicago, Illinois Work Injury Attorney

A painful foot condition called Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (TTS) can make it very difficult to continue your regular physical activity.  TTS can affect your foot and ankle movement in much the same way as carpal tunnel syndrome can affect your wrist and hand.  

The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space on the inside of your ankle.  When a nerve in the tarsal tunnel becomes compressed or squeezed, it can cause TTS.  Initially, you may experience numbness and a tingling sensation.  But over time, the pressure on the nerve can cause inflammation and pain, and eventually even permanent nerve damage.

Common causes of TTS include:  diabetes, arthritis, tumors; flat feet; injuries like an ankle twist or sprain; and other events that put excessive pressure on the nerve.  The events can be sudden, or develop over time from repetitive movement and activities. 

Though many of these causes are not related to the workplace, some work activities and injuries can play a role as well.  If your TTS is job-related, then you should be able to recover medical benefits under Illinois workers’ compensation.  If your condition is not related to your job duties, then even if work activities are made more difficult or painful by the TTS, you may not be entitled to benefits.

To make the distinction between work- and non-work TTS, you should determine whether or not it was caused by some activity or condition that the general public is also exposed to.  If it was the result of a medical condition such as diabetes, or a physical activity such as ordinary walking or standing, then the TTS is likely not work-related.  Several different work scenarios, however, have been involved in causing TTS: 

- stepping on a sunken floor board at work that couldn’t be seen, and twisting or spraining your ankle;

·          - standing or walking for long periods of time on uneven floors or ground, such as at constructions sites or railroad yards;

·          - repeated movement requiring twisting and pivoting of your foot or ankle, such as on an assembly line;

·          - repeated movement of pushing a pedal with one foot for a large part of the work week.

Each of these scenarios involves something sudden and unexpected, or repeated and intense, in a way that is unique to the job.  If your job puts you in such a position, and you are injured as a result, you should be able to recover benefits to help you pay your medical bills.

If you suspect you may be suffering from TTS, you should see a physician for diagnosis and treatment.  Your doctor may initially try non-surgical treatments such as ice, rest, immobilization, and anti-inflammatory medications.  Physical therapy may also help.  If more is needed then it may be necessary to have surgery to relieve the pressure from the nerve.

Leaving TTS untreated can lead to more serious complications.   If your believe your condition may be work related, then speaking with an attorney that is experienced in this area can help you to get the medical benefits you may be entitled to under Illinois workers’ compensation.   We have attorneys that are highly skilled in this area and would be happy to speak to you to answer any of your questions.

We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.

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