Blog Details

A Lisfranc injury is a painful condition affecting the midfoot, often resulting from high-energy trauma or twisting motions. The seriousness of this injury cannot be overstated, as it can lead to chronic Pain, stiffness, and instability, severely impacting one's ability to walk or bear weight.

Without timely and appropriate treatment, complications such as arthritis, foot deformity, and permanent disability may develop, further impairing foot function and quality of life.

What is a Lisfranc (Midfoot) Injury?

A Lisfranc injury occurs when the bones or ligaments in the midfoot are damaged, usually due to a fall, twist, or high-impact trauma. This type of injury can range from a mild sprain to a severe fracture-dislocation. Often misdiagnosed as a simple sprain, a Lisfranc injury requires careful evaluation and treatment to avoid long-term complications.

Lisfranc (Midfoot) Fracture Causes

Understanding the causes of a Lisfranc fracture can aid in prevention and early detection. Common causes include:

• High-Impact Trauma: Motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height can exert significant force on the midfoot, leading to injury.
• Sports Injuries: Athletes in high-impact sports such as football or basketball are at risk, especially when landing awkwardly or twisting the foot.
• Twisting Motions: Even a simple misstep on uneven ground can cause a Lisfranc injury, especially if the foot twists while bearing weight.

Lisfranc (Midfoot) Fracture Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of a Lisfranc injury is crucial in seeking timely treatment. The primary symptoms include:

• Severe Pain in the midfoot area, especially when bearing weight
• Swelling and bruising on the top or bottom of the foot
• Difficulty or inability to walk due to Pain
• Foot deformity or misalignment in severe cases
• Tenderness to touch in the midfoot area
• Increased Pain when the foot is moved or manipulated
• Limited range of motion in the foot
• A sensation of instability or weakness in the midfoot

Lisfranc (midfoot) fracture Treatment Options

Treatment for a Lisfranc injury depends on the severity of the damage. Options include:

Non-Surgical Treatment: For less severe injuries, immobilization in a cast or boot, combined with physical therapy, can help the foot heal properly.

Surgical Treatment: Severe cases often require surgery to realign the bones and stabilize the joint. Surgical options include internal fixation or fusion, depending on the extent of the injury.

Why is timely treatment so important?

A delay in treating a Lisfranc injury can lead to severe complications, including:

• Chronic Pain: Persistent Pain can affect your daily activities and quality of life.
• Arthritis: Untreated Lisfranc injuries can lead to arthritis in the midfoot, making movement painful and difficult.
• Permanent Deformity: If the bones and ligaments are not correctly aligned, the foot may heal incorrectly, leading to a permanent deformity.

Rehabilitation for Lisfranc Injuries

Recovering from a Lisfranc injury involves a structured rehabilitation plan to restore foot function and prevent future issues. Here's a brief overview of the rehabilitation process:

Initial Phase (0-6 Weeks): This phase focuses on rest, pain management, and immobilization to reduce swelling and protect the foot. It also includes keeping the foot elevated and using medications as prescribed.

Early Rehabilitation (6-12 Weeks): As healing progresses, gentle range of motion exercises and non-weight-bearing activities are introduced to maintain flexibility and cardiovascular fitness without stressing the foot.

Intermediate Rehabilitation (3-6 Months): Strengthening exercises and balance training become central to restoring foot function. Weight-bearing activities are gradually introduced to build strength and stability.

Advanced Rehabilitation (6 Months+): Includes sport-specific or functional training to prepare for a return to regular activities. Ongoing exercise and regular check-ups help maintain foot health and prevent re-injury.

When managing a Lisfranc injury, you need a doctor who understands the complexities. Dr. Pradeep Moonot is a world-renowned foot and ankle specialist with a stellar track record in treating Lisfranc injuries.

Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis, inadequate treatment leading to chronic pain or arthritis, surgical complications, and delayed recovery are expected consequences of suboptimal treatment for Lisfranc injuries. For patients who need to return to work or daily life, the expertise and skill of the surgeon remain paramount. Here is one such example of the importance of right diagnosis and treatment:

Yash's Lisfranc (Midfoot) Injury Treatment Doctor in Mumbai

Meet Yash, whose Lisfranc injury treatment and recovery journey clearly illustrate the importance of choosing the right surgeon.

Initially advised to undergo immediate surgery for severe foot pain, Yash postponed the procedure for a planned trip to Kashmir and sought opinions from two other orthopedic doctors.

This delay, coupled with less specialized care, risked complications such as extended recovery and lasting discomfort. However, after returning to Dr Pradeep Moonot, the surgery was performed successfully.

Within 3 to 4 months, Yash was back to walking normally which proves how critical timely intervention and expert surgical skill is for avoiding the pitfalls of inadequate Lisfranc treatment.

Yash’s, like many others, treatment journey highlights the vital importance of having the right specialist—someone like Dr Pradeep Moonot — to ensure a smooth and swift recovery.

A world-renowned foot and ankle specialist with over 20 years of experience, Dr Pradeep Moonot is among the very Lisfranc treatment experts in India with an exceptional track record in precise surgical intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation. If you're seeking Lisfranc injury treatment in Mumbai, Dr Pradeep Moonot's expertise and personalized care make him the ideal choice for optimal recovery.