After a car accident, it’s not uncommon to receive injuries to the head, neck, and shoulders. After all, those are the most vulnerable parts of your body, unprotected by the security of a seat belt in a collision. But we sometimes forget that lower-body injuries are quite common as well. The hips, knees, ankles, and feet are all susceptible to damage after such a traumatic incident. Read on for a closer look at these types of injures and how to care for them.
- Sore hips may indicate the presence of a few different issues. It could just be simple bruising from blunt force trauma, or it could be something more serious, like a ligament sprain or fracture. You may also have dislocated your hip due to the impact of the accident. This occurs when the ball joint pops out of its socket.
- With your legs open and exposed under the dashboard, your knees are sometimes the first to feel any impact. You may even try to stop yourself from moving, leading to a torn meniscus. A forceful enough impact may cause your kneecap to slip or shatter.
- The ankle joint controls the gas and brake pedals in your vehicle. The forward momentum and sudden stop that occurs during a collision can put tremendous strain on your ankle. You may find that you flexed it beyond its limits, causing a sprain of the ankle ligament.
- Connected to the ankle joint, your feet sometimes suffer their own injuries resulting from the high forces at play in a car accident. Cuts, bruises, and even broken bones or severed tendons could be a potential concern after a collision. You may even find yourself with a sprained toe.
If you’ve been in a car accident and suffered one of these injuries, don’t panic. There are plenty of ways to treat injuries. First and most importantly, get plenty of rest. Stay off the affected area, especially if it causes any pain or discomfort. That will give your body more opportunity to heal itself.
We recommend seeing a chiropractor as soon as possible. As with upper body injuries of the neck and back, chiropractic care can do wonders for the recovery of your lower body. From dislocated joints to sprains and broken bones, chiropractic is a holistic therapy that treats the root of the problem. Visit your local chiropractor and explain your symptoms and get started with a treatment plan.
If you’re looking for a chiropractor to call home, we welcome you to join us here at Wirth Chiropractic. Get in touch by giving us a call, or swing by one of our two offices located in Greenville, NC. Schedule your free consultation today!
