Midfoot injuries often damage the Lisfranc joint that connects your metatarsals to the tarsal bones in the arch of your foot. At Hosey and Murphy Foot & Ankle Centers with multiple locations in Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, and Mount Clemens, Michigan, the expert podiatrists provide expert diagnosis and treatment for Lisfranc injuries so you can recover quickly and get back to your regular activities. Call Hosey and Murphy Foot & Ankle Centers or make an appointment online today.

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What is the Lisfranc joint?

Your Lisfranc joint connects the metatarsal bones of your forefoot with the tarsal bones that form the arch of your foot. The joint is supported by the Lisfranc ligament, a band of tough connective tissue that helps maintain correct alignment and foot strength.

What are the common Lisfranc injuries?

The most common Lisfranc injuries are sprains, fractures, and dislocations. These injuries often occur in runners who put repetitive strain on their feet, participants in contact sports, or during automobile accidents. You might also sustain a Lisfranc injury by dropping something on your foot or missing a step on a staircase.

If you have a Lisfranc injury, you might develop symptoms, such as:

  • Foot swelling
  • Pain in your midfoot, especially when standing or moving
  • Inability to put weight on the foot
  • Bruising or blistering on the arch of your foot
  • Abnormal widening of the foot

Lisfranc injuries are sometimes mistaken for simple sprains but might require different treatments. You should always consult with a podiatrist if you have a foot injury, especially if it interferes with your mobility or causes a deformity. If you aren’t able to see a podiatrist right away, make sure you stay off the injured foot and keep it elevated. Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes every hour to reduce your swelling and pain.

What tests identify a Lisfranc injury?

The experienced podiatrists at Hosey and Murphy Foot & Ankle Centers provide thorough exams to identify Lisfranc injuries. During your appointment, your podiatrist asks about how you got injured and your symptoms. They examine your foot for signs that confirm a Lisfranc injury and assess the severity of your condition. In some cases, your podiatrist might order X-rays and other imaging studies to examine your Lisfranc joint in more detail and confirm fractures.

What is the treatment for a Lisfranc injury?

The podiatrists at Hosey and Murphy Foot & Ankle Centers provide customized treatment plans to help you recover from a Lisfranc injury. Whenever possible, they use nonsurgical treatments, including:

  • Immobilization with a cast or boot
  • Crutches to prevent you from putting weight on the foot
  • Oral anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physical therapy

However, in some cases, you might need surgery, so your podiatrist can repair and set a fracture or severe ligament tear.

If you have a midfoot injury, call Hosey and Murphy Foot & Ankle Centers or make an appointment online today for expert diagnosis and treatment.