Foot and ankle injuries are among the most common workplace injuries, ranging from a quick ankle roll on a wet floor to a fracture from a dropped object. Most are preventable with the right footwear, housekeeping, and awareness — and most recover fully with prompt, appropriate care. Whether you work construction, healthcare, food service, or a warehouse floor, your feet take on a lot of daily risk that's easy to overlook until something goes wrong.
Our podiatrists see workplace injuries year-round, from a first responder who twisted an ankle on uneven ground to a warehouse worker who dropped a pallet on their foot. Below is a look at what causes these injuries, who is most at risk, and how to protect yourself — plus what to do if an injury does happen.
What causes foot and ankle injuries at work?
Workplace foot and ankle injuries generally fall into a few categories:
- Slips, trips, and falls — wet floors, loose cords, uneven surfaces, and cluttered walkways are leading causes of ankle sprains and fractures
- Struck-by or crush injuries — heavy tools, boxes, or equipment dropped on the foot
- Punctures — stepping on nails, glass, or sharp debris, common on construction sites
- Overuse and repetitive strain — prolonged standing, walking on hard concrete, or repetitive motions that lead to tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, or stress fractures
- Falls from height — ladders and scaffolding falls that can cause calcaneal (heel bone) fractures or ankle fractures
Who is at higher risk on the job?
Some jobs carry more foot and ankle risk than others. Construction and industrial workers face falling-object and puncture risks; warehouse and delivery workers deal with heavy lifting and hard, unforgiving floors; healthcare workers, retail employees, and food service staff often spend entire shifts on their feet, which raises the risk of overuse injuries like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendon strain. Anyone working on ladders, scaffolding, or uneven outdoor terrain also faces a higher risk of falls.
How to prevent foot and ankle injuries at work
Many workplace foot injuries are preventable with a few consistent habits:
- Wear the right footwear for the job — steel or composite toe boots where falling objects are a risk, slip-resistant soles on wet or greasy floors, and supportive shoes for jobs that require long hours standing
- Keep walkways clear of cords, boxes, and spills, and report hazards promptly
- Use anti-fatigue mats on hard floors if you stand in one place for long periods
- Stretch your calves and feet before and during long shifts to reduce overuse strain
- Replace worn-out shoes — unsupportive soles are a common, overlooked contributor to overuse injuries
- Follow safety protocols for ladders, scaffolding, and heavy lifting
What to do if you're injured at work
If you injure your foot or ankle on the job, stop the activity right away. For sprains and minor injuries, rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) can help in the first 24-48 hours. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible — this protects you and starts the workers' compensation process if applicable. Avoid putting weight on a foot or ankle that is significantly swollen, painful, or visibly deformed, and seek prompt medical evaluation rather than waiting to see if it improves on its own.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist if you have significant swelling, bruising, or pain that limits your ability to walk; if the injury involved a puncture wound, a fall from height, or a heavy object; or if pain from repetitive strain has lasted more than a week or two despite rest. Prompt evaluation helps confirm whether you're dealing with a sprain, fracture, or overuse injury — and gets you on the right treatment path faster. You can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.