Musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions

Lower Limb Injuries

Damage to legs, feet, or ankles, impacting mobility and daily activities. Can result from fractures or sprains.
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About

Lower limb injuries involve damage to the legs, feet, or ankles, leading to difficulties with mobility and using one or both legs. This can result from fractures, sprains, amputations, or nerve damage.

These injuries may lead to problems with walking, standing, or balancing, affecting daily activities.

This condition is often invisible.

Many disabilities, including this one, may not have outward signs—people can be significantly impacted even if they appear “fine” on the outside.

Common Challenges

  • Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
  • Inability to perform physical tasks or manual labour
  • Limited mobility, requiring assistive devices like crutches or wheelchairs
  • Pain or discomfort when moving or using the lower limbs
  • Need for frequent rest or breaks during work
  • Inability to commute easily or drive
  • Challenges with workplace accessibility (e.g., stairs, lack of ramps)

Practitioner Help

  • Assess the person's functional abilities and limitations
  • Help the individual develop strategies to manage pain or fatigue at work
  • Suggest work environments with accessible facilities and tasks suited to their abilities
  • Provide training on the use of assistive devices (e.g., wheelchair, prosthesis)
  • Help the person identify jobs that offer flexible hours or remote work options
  • Offer support during the job application process (e.g., adjusting resumes for accessibility)
  • Advocate for reasonable accommodations with potential employers

Common Accommodations

  • Modifications to ensure accessibility in the workplace
  • Wheelchair access (ramps, wider doorways)
  • Adjustable-height desks
  • Ergonomic chairs and workstations
  • Adjustable workstations to reduce strain
  • Specialized seating or footrests
  • Modified job duties to accommodate physical limitations
  • Adjustments in workload to reduce stress
  • Allowing breaks to rest or recalibrate balance
  • Regular breaks or access to quiet rest areas
  • Flexible work hours (for managing health conditions)
  • Flexible working hours or part-time work
  • Use of assistive devices (e.g., modified tools, splints, or braces)
  • Access to assistive devices (mobility aids, assistive technology)
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Notes

Some people with lower limb injuries may recover fully, while others may have long-term functional limitations.

Early intervention and rehabilitation can significantly improve a person’s ability to work.

Mental health support may also be needed due to the impact of physical limitations on self-esteem and social interaction.

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Resources

  • Limb injuries - symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention | healthdirect
Musculoskeletal and orthopaedic conditions

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