Knox.Let us know how your injury heals. Hope it's not the clips. But, when doing steep ascents, on platforms; I'd never stand on platforms. Just do not feel secure. Fall off the pedals, I'd fear I'd crash. For the flats, for me, platforms would be fine.
Maybe another type of clipless pedal. Eggbeaters.? I suspect a problem with Looks/SPD is selecting a model that does not offer any rotation. If not for lack of rotation, I see little difference between the sensations clipless and platform pedals offer. Other than lack of a secure connection and better power transfer .