Ankle sprains are common injuries, but sometimes they mask a more severe Lisfranc injury, which occurs when the bones or ligaments in the middle part of the foot are broken, misaligned, or torn. While you might be able to walk off a standard ankle sprain, the latter injury requires more careful treatment to ensure proper healing. 

What Causes a Lisfranc Joint Injury?

The Lisfranc joint complex located in the middle of the foot includes a group of bones—five metatarsals that extend to the toes, the cuboid, and the three cuneiform bones—and connective tissues that connect the midfoot and forefoot. These bones and ligaments are responsible for stabilizing the foot arch and transferring force from the calf to the front of the foot to provide balance while walking. 

While injuries to this area are uncommon, they can occur after a twisting fall—usually while the foot is pointed downward like when football and soccer players stumble forward. Other people are more likely to develop this injury after falling from a tall height or getting into a vehicle accident.

What Are the Symptoms & Treatment for a Lisfranc Joint Injury?

Symptoms and treatment will largely depend on the severity of the injury. Common symptoms include pain, tenderness, swelling, bruising, and deformity of the midfoot. It’s also normal to not be able to put weight on the affected foot. 

A podiatrist will determine the severity by examining the foot for these symptoms and performing an X-ray. However, X-rays commonly miss damage associated with this injury, which is why they are often misdiagnosed as ankle sprains. More detailed imaging like an MRI or CT scan is needed to catch cartilage damage.

If there aren’t any broken or misaligned bones or torn ligaments, surgery most likely won’t be necessary. In this situation, standard treatment involves pain medication and wearing a non-weight-bearing cast for six weeks, followed by a weight-bearing cast. To prevent worsening the condition, the patient must keep weight off the injured foot.

More severe injuries require surgery to prevent the collapse of the arch and future arthritis problems. Usually, reduction and internal fixation are performed to correct the alignment with special metal plates and screws that might be removed later. If the alignment is not possible, joint fusion will fuse the bones into a single, solid piece.

If you’ve recently injured your foot, trust Choice Podiatry Associates in Cincinnati, OH, for an accurate diagnosis and superior foot and ankle care. Their experienced podiatrists provide medical and surgical treatment for a range of foot problems. Visit their website to learn more about their services, and schedule an appointment at one of their three convenient locations in Montfort Heights South, Kenwood, or Wyoming by calling (513) 574-2424.