What is a Lisfranc Injury?
Lisfranc injuries affect the midfoot region and can range from a sprain, to a fracture, to a dislocation. Some Lisfranc injuries will result in broken bones, while others may only affect the joints and ligaments. Lisfranc injuries were originally discovered when soldiers fell from their horses with their foot caught in the stirrup, causing the bones, joints and ligaments in the midfoot to be damaged.
Causes
Causes of Lisfranc injuries include the following:
- Car accidents
- Falling from a height
- Tripping and falling onto the foot
- Dropping a heavy object onto the foot
Athletes are also at high risk of Lisfranc injuries, especially football players, runners, baseball players and horseback riders.
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include:
- Pain & swelling
- Bruising
- Inability to stand on the foot
- Foot may appear wider than usual
Complications
Lisfranc injuries can lead to several different complications, including the following:
- Arthritis of the foot
- Compartment syndrome
Compartment syndrome occurs when pressure builds up in a muscle compartment, leading to issues with blood flow, as well as potential muscle and nerve damage).
Treatments
If you have a Lisfranc injury, it’s important to have it evaluated, as the appropriate treatment depends on the severity of your condition.
RICE – Rest, Ice, Compression & Elevation are effective in treating mild Lisfranc injuries. By following these simple steps, you can relieve pain and swelling and help reduce inflammatio
n.
NSAIDs – Taking painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help to temporarily relieve your pain and inflammation. Just make sure you don’t use them during times when you are active.
Crutches or Cast – It’s important to stay off a foot with a Lisfranc injury in order to avoid further damage, so you may want to consider a cast or crutches.
Surgery – If you have a serious Lisfranc injury, surgery may be required in order to correct the fracture or dislocation and allow your ligaments to heal properly.