Common Motorcycle Leg and Foot Injuries

The body parts most vulnerable in a motorcycle accident are the foot and leg. The lower part of your body is what bears the full impact of the accident due to the way you are positioned on the motorcycle.

Here is an in-depth overview of foot injuries from motorcycle accidents and what you can do to protect yourself.

Common Locations for Lower-Body Motorcycle Injuries

Several types of injuries can occur to your feet and legs as a result of a motorcycle accident. They are usually called lower extremity injuries, and the most common areas that are injured include:

• Ankles
• Feet
• Knees
• Thighs
• Hips
• Pelvis

While most leg injuries from motorcycle accidents are not fatal, they can still cause a great deal of pain and suffering. In some cases, they can even lead to long-term disability.

Types of Lower Extremity Injuries Sustained in Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle riders can suffer different types of lower extremity injuries in an accident. The most common foot injuries from motorcycle accidents include:

Fractured bones

A fracture is the most common type of lower extremity injury in a motorcycle accident. A fracture is a break in the bone. Many different types of fractures can occur in a motorcycle accident. The most common type of fracture in a motorcycle accident is a closed fracture. This means that the skin is not broken, but the bone is.

Other common fractures are open fractures, where the skin is also broken, and compound fractures, where the bone is broken and exposed through the skin.

Fractures can happen in any bone in the lower extremity. Fractures can be very painful, and they can take a long time to heal. In some cases, a bone fracture may cause temporary or permanent mobility issues.

Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissues are the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the human body. Like bones, these tissues can be injured in a motorcycle accident.

The most common type of soft tissue injury from a motorcycle accident is a contusion, commonly known as a bruise. Contusions occur when the muscle is hit with enough force to break blood vessels beneath the skin.

Another common type of soft tissue injury is a strain. This occurs when the muscle is stretched or torn. Strains can be very painful and may limit a person’s range of motion.

Ligament and tendon damage

Motorcycle accidents that occur at high speeds often cause severe damage to the ligaments and tendons. These tissues connect bones to other bones or muscles.

Ligament damage is often referred to as a sprain. This occurs when the ligament is stretched beyond its normal range of motion, causing it to tear. Tendon damage is similar to ligament damage, but it occurs in the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendon damage is often referred to as a strain.

In worst-case scenarios, tendons and ligament damage can impact a person’s ability to use the affected limb.

Nerve damage

Leg injuries from motorcycle accidents can also result in nerve damage. This type of damage occurs when the nerves are stretched, compressed, or torn. Nerve damage can result in a loss of sensation or movement in the affected area. In severe cases, nerve damage can cause paralysis.

Dislocated joints

When the joints are dislocated,  the bones that make up the joint are forced out of alignment. Dislocated joints are extremely painful and can cause swelling, bruising, and deformity. These injuries often require surgery to repair.

Amputation

Amputation occurs as a result of severe injuries, such as when a foot is crushed by a bike or another vehicle. This often stops blood flow to the affected area and causes severe tissue damage. In some cases, the amputated limb can be reattached. However, if the damage is too severe, the limb will need to be removed permanently.

Lacerations

Lacerations are deep cuts that often require stitches or other medical treatment to close. They can occur on any part of the body but are most common on arms and legs.

How to Prevent Foot and Leg Injuries in a Motorcycle Accident

Most riders only remember to cover their heads with a helmet and their torsos with motorcycle jackets. While these are important, they should not be the only safety gear you consider.

There are many ways to protect your feet and legs while riding, such as:

• Wearing boots that cover the ankle: This can help protect your ankles from being broken or dislocated in an accident.
• Wearing pants that cover the shin: This can help protect your shins from cuts or scrapes if an accident occurs.
• Tucking in your pant legs: Tucking will help prevent your pant legs from getting caught in the motorcycle’s chain or gears.

Other general safety precautions to take into consideration include:

• Staying alert: This means being aware of your surroundings and paying attention to the road. If you see a potential hazard, slow down and be ready to take evasive action.
• Make sure your motorcycle is in good working condition: Regularly inspect your bike and keep it properly maintained.
• Avoiding alcohol and drugs: These substances can impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.
• Taking a motorcycle safety course: This can teach you the skills you need to operate a motorcycle safely.

Injured Your Lower Body in a Motorcycle Accident?

If you incur foot injuries from a motorcycle accident, you could spend a lot of money on treatment and might be unable to work for some time. You may be able to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation for your damages.

The first step is contacting a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you navigate the legal process and ensure you get the maximum compensation possible. The Stevenson Klotz Injury Lawyers are a team of experienced motorcycle accident lawyers in Florida and Alabama who can help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.