What is the Lisfranc Joint?
The lisfranc joint helps your foot maintain its arch and move. It’s an area where many bones, tendons, and joints connect to allow your foot to function as it should.
Suffering an injury to this area, although not life-threatening, can be problematic.
Causes of Lisfranc Injuries
While there is no direct cause for lisfranc injuries, certain activities increase the risk. Sudden trauma to the area causes lisfranc injuries and can happen to anyone.
Risk factors for lisfranc injuries include:
- High-impact sports (football, basketball, soccer)
- Having your foot stepped on
- Falling from a great height
- Tripping over your foot
- Diabetes
- Nerve damage
Treatments for Lisfranc Injuries
Treatments for lisfranc injuries vary based on severity and symptoms. Using a cast and keeping the weight of your foot for several weeks can help treat a sprained lisfranc joint. A fractured lisfranc joint requires a more thorough approach for a long-term solution.
Repairing damage to a lisfranc joint may take surgical options like an internal fixation, which repositions the bones in your foot and holds them in place with screws. Another surgical option is a fusion treatment, where your middle foot bones are fused to create a single bone. Determining the correct treatment strategy depends on getting a lisfranc injury diagnosis correct. Misdiagnosis is common for lisfranc injuries, leading to ineffective treatments and chronic disability.
If you experience an injury that limits your ability to stand or walk, seek medical attention immediately.
Orthopedic Associates of Long Island can help get your mobility back. If you’ve suffered a foot injury, don’t suffer in silence. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at any of our seven locations by calling 631.689.6698.
