The Lisfranc joint is the area in the middle of your foot where the metatarsal bones (the long bones leading to your toes) connect to the tarsal bones (the bones in your arch). It’s a complex structure of bones, ligaments, and tendons that provides stability to your foot and helps you walk and run. A Lisfranc injury occurs when one or more of these bones are broken or the ligaments are torn.
These injuries can range from mild, involving a sprain of the ligaments, to severe, with multiple fractures and dislocations. The injury is named after Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, a surgeon in Napoleon’s army who first described this type of injury in cavalry soldiers who fell off their horses with their feet caught in the stirrups.
Common Symptoms and Causes
Recognizing the signs of a Lisfranc injury is the first step toward getting the right treatment. While symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the injury, there are some common signs to look out for:
Symptoms:
- Pain and swelling: The most common symptom is pain and swelling on the top of the foot. The pain may be so severe that you’re unable to put weight on your foot.
- Bruising: A key sign of a Lisfranc injury is bruising on both the top and bottom of the foot. Bruising on the sole of the foot is a strong indicator of a serious midfoot injury.
- Visible Deformity: In severe cases, you may notice a widening of your foot or a visible deformity in the midfoot area.
- A “pop” or “snap”: Some people report hearing a popping or snapping sound at the time of the injury.
Causes:
Lisfranc injuries can be caused by both direct and indirect trauma to the foot.
- Direct Trauma: This can happen when a heavy object falls on your foot or from a direct blow, such as in a car accident.
- Indirect Trauma: This is more common and often occurs from a twisting motion. For example:
- Sports Injuries: Athletes who play sports like football, soccer, and basketball are at a higher risk of Lisfranc injuries. This is often due to a sudden twist of the foot while it’s planted on the ground.
- Falls: A simple trip or fall, like missing a step on the stairs, can cause a Lisfranc injury.
- Everyday Accidents: Even a simple stumble can lead to this type of injury if the foot twists in just the right way.
Common Risk Factors
While a Lisfranc injury can happen to anyone, certain factors can increase your risk:
- Participation in high-impact sports: As mentioned, football, soccer, and other sports that involve a lot of running, jumping, and quick changes in direction can put you at a higher risk.
- Certain occupations: People who have jobs that require a lot of standing, walking, or heavy lifting may be more susceptible to foot injuries.
- Bone-weakening conditions: Conditions like osteoporosis can make your bones more fragile and more likely to break.
- Previous foot injuries: If you’ve had a foot injury in the past, you may be more likely to injure it again.
Diagnosis and Treatment at California Pacific Orthopaedics
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms of a Lisfranc injury, it’s important to see an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating all types of foot and ankle injuries.
Diagnosis:
During your appointment, your doctor will:
- Take a medical history: They’ll ask you about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and your overall health.
- Perform a physical exam: Your doctor will carefully examine your foot to check for swelling, bruising, and tenderness. They may also perform certain tests, like the “piano key” test, to check for instability in your midfoot.
- Order imaging tests: X-rays are usually the first step to check for fractures or dislocations. In some cases, a CT scan or MRI may be needed to get a more detailed look at the bones and soft tissues.
Treatment:
Treatment for a Lisfranc injury depends on the severity of the injury.
- Nonsurgical Treatment: If you have a mild injury with no fractures or dislocations, you may be treated with:
- Immobilization: You’ll likely need to wear a cast or a boot for several weeks to keep your foot from moving and allow it to heal.
- Rest: It’s important to keep weight off your foot as much as possible.
- Ice and elevation: Applying ice to your foot and keeping it elevated can help reduce swelling and pain.
- Surgical Treatment: If you have a more severe injury with fractures or dislocations, you’ll likely need surgery to repair the damage. The goal of surgery is to realign the bones and joints and stabilize them with plates, screws, or other hardware.
Why Choose California Pacific Orthopaedics for Your Foot and Ankle Care?
When it comes to your health, you want the best possible care. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, we’re committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care in a compassionate and supportive environment. Our team of orthopedic surgeons are leaders in their field and have a proven track record of success in treating all types of foot and ankle injuries.
If you’re looking for a Lisfranc injury specialist in the San Francisco Bay Area, look no further than California Pacific Orthopaedics. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
