A fracture is a serious condition that requires medical attention to properly treat. We at the Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute are a foot and ankle clinic and have helped many patients with various kinds of fractures. Today, we’d like to discuss one in particular: a lisfranc fracture. A lisfranc injury is one that occurs in the lisfranc joint of the center of the foot. They can be particularly painful and require the right diagnosis to properly address. If you are misdiagnosed, you could end up without proper treatment, and the lack of support for your lisfranc joint could result in further damage over time. Here is more information on these types of injuries.
More About the Lisfranc Joint
The lisfranc joint is located in the center of the foot and is what connects the metatarsal bones to the tarsal bones. In the joint is a ligament that maintains the alignment of the foot and helps keep the joint functioning properly. When this area is injured, many of the symptoms will be similar to the symptoms of a sprained ankle, so it’s important to have your foot properly examined by a professional to ensure you know what kind of treatment is needed.
Activities that are often associated with lisfranc-related injuries include things like running, contact sports, and horseback riding. The damage is typically caused by an indirect force to the foot, causing a sprain, fracture, or dislocation of the joint. This can result in swelling, pain, blistering, and an inability to put weight on the injured foot.
Treatments for a Lisfranc Injury
There are a few methods of treatment that can be used to make the healing process as quick and easy as possible. Typically you’ll have your foot placed in a cast to immobilize the bones and the joint to allow it to heal. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can be used to help mitigate some of the pain. Placing ice on your foot can also help with the swelling, and keeping your foot elevated will make blood flow easier. Lastly, once the pain and swelling have lessened, you can try physical therapy for assistance with helping your foot return to normal.
Not all lisfranc joint injuries require surgery, but some might. It can also be influenced by the severity of the injury. Your foot and ankle doctor will be the one to make the call on whether or not surgery is the right form of treatment for you.
For a Foot and Ankle Clinic in Celebration, You Can Contact Us
Now that you know more about what a lisfranc injury is like, you might be concerned that you’ve sustained one yourself. If this is the case, and you’re located around the Celebration area, then consider us at the Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute for proper treatment. The best place to go is a foot and ankle clinic, after all, as you’ll want a specialization to ensure your condition is properly diagnosed. To learn more about how we can help, contact us today.