Lisfranc fractures occur when you tear a ligament or break a bone in the middle of your foot. The middle of your foot contains the Lisfranc joint and the Lisfranc ligament. If either of the components experiences damage, it results in swelling, pain, and mobility issues.
The symptoms of a Lisfranc fracture vary depending on the severity of the injury. Telltale signs include pain, swelling, and tenderness at the top of the foot. You might also experience discomfort or stiffness when you walk or stand.
Many people with Lisfranc fractures also experience bruising. Bruises caused by Lisfranc fractures often occur on the top and bottom of the affected foot.
The most common cause of a Lisfranc fracture is twisting your foot while falling. Other common causes include crush injuries, sports-related injuries, and automobile accidents.
To diagnose a Lisfranc fracture, your DeLoor Podiatry Associates provider conducts a physical exam. During the exam, they assess your foot for signs of bruising, tenderness, or pain. They might also have you stand up and carefully walk around the exam room to observe your gait and posture.
If these measures don’t provide enough information to make a diagnosis, your provider orders diagnostic imaging like X-rays or an MRI. These tools provide detailed photographs of the hard and soft tissues in your feet and can pinpoint a fracture, strain, or sprain.
Treatment of a Lisfranc fracture depends on the severity of the injury, your symptoms, and their effect on your daily life. Minor Lisfranc fractures usually respond to conservative treatments like rest, ice, elevation, and over-the-counter pain medication.
If you experience a serious fracture, casting for up to six weeks may be necessary. While wearing a cast, you visit DeLoor Podiatry Associates once a week so your provider can monitor your progress.
If casting isn’t enough to restore your foot to its near-original, healthy condition, surgery may be necessary. During surgery, your provider connects the broken pieces of bone with small screws and plates.
To learn more about the available treatment options for Lisfranc fractures, make an appointment at DeLoor Podiatry Associates by calling the nearest office or clicking the online booking tool today.
