Understanding Lisfranc Injuries
At NY Foot Health, we know Lisfranc injuries can take one of a few different forms and occur in various situations. Below is some information about this part of the foot and what happens when an injury occurs.
Locating the Lisfranc Joint
In the middle of your foot, where the metatarsal bones—the long bones that go to your toes—and the tarsal or arch bones meet, is where you find the Lisfranc joint. There is also a strong band of tissue, known as the Lisfranc ligament, which connects two bones in this part of your foot. This ligament helps maintain the strength and alignment of the joint.
Types of Lisfranc Injuries
Lisfranc injuries result from the direct or indirect force exerted on the foot. They most often happen when something traumatic or acute occurs, such as a car accident, a fall, a heavy object falling on the foot, or a sports injury. Lisfranc injuries can also occur from something as mundane as missing the bottom step on the stairs. An injury that twists the foot can also result in an injury to the Lisfranc joint or ligament. There are three basic types of Lisfranc injuries:
Fractures--a bone breaks in the joint, or an avulsion fracture occurs where a small piece of bone pulls off a larger bone.
Dislocation—the joint bones are forced out of their normal positions.
Sprains—the Lisfranc ligament twists or is sprained. When this ligament or another ligament on the bottom of the foot experiences a sprain, it weakens them, leaving the Lisfranc joint unstable and vulnerable.
These three types of injuries can occur separately or in some combination with one another.
Recognizing an Injury
In addition to pain in the middle part of your foot when you apply pressure or when standing, you may see the following signs indicating a Lisfranc injury:
Swelling
Bruising or blistering in the arch of the foot or bruising on the top of the foot
Your foot appears to be getting wider
Inability to bear weight on the foot
If you see any of these symptoms in your foot, especially after an injury, it’s important to make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible. If you don’t have a podiatrist currently, you can find one using our online directory. To learn more about injuries to the feet and ankles, contact us and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.