Lisfranc Ligament Injury

A Lisfranc injury involves the midfoot, where the Lisfranc ligament connects the bones at the arch and gives the foot its stability. These injuries are often underdiagnosed but can have serious consequences — long-term pain, collapse of the arch, and midfoot arthritis — if they are not treated properly. Dr. Kevin Lam stresses the importance of early diagnosis and the right treatment, which depends on the severity of the injury. Lisfranc injuries are common in athletes and in anyone who suffers high-impact trauma to the foot, such as a fall or a motor-vehicle accident.

What Is a Lisfranc Injury?

The injury occurs where the Lisfranc ligament holds the midfoot bones together. It ranges from a simple ligament sprain to fractures and dislocations of the joints. Because a mild Lisfranc injury can look like an ordinary sprain on a first X-ray, it is frequently missed — which is exactly why a foot and ankle specialist should evaluate any significant midfoot injury.

Symptoms

• Pain across the midfoot that worsens with standing or pushing off
• Swelling and bruising on the top — and sometimes the bottom — of the foot
• Bruising on the arch (a classic warning sign)
• Difficulty bearing weight or an inability to walk normally

Diagnosis

We evaluate the foot in the office with weight-bearing X-rays that stress the midfoot, and we add diagnostic ultrasound, CT, or MRI when the injury is subtle. Catching an unstable Lisfranc injury early is the single most important factor in avoiding a poor outcome.

Treatment

For a stable, mild injury, rest, immobilization in a boot or cast, and protected weight-bearing may be enough. Unstable injuries — those with a torn ligament, fracture, or displacement — usually need surgery to realign and fix the joints with screws, plates, or a fusion, followed by structured rehabilitation to restore strength and motion.

Recovery and Prevention

Proper footwear and lower-leg strengthening help reduce risk, and a graduated return to activity protects the repair. If you suspect a Lisfranc injury — especially if you cannot bear weight or have bruising along the arch — have it evaluated promptly.

For more information or to schedule an evaluation with a board-certified foot and ankle specialist, call (239) 430-3668 (FOOT) or book online at NaplesPodiatrist.com.

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Serving Southwest Florida since 2005, Family Foot & Leg Center has 9 convenient locations throughout Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties — Naples, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, and Sarasota. We provide pediatric to geriatric foot and ankle care: ingrown toenails, heel pain, bunions, foot & ankle arthritis, plantar fasciitis, foot & ankle surgery, custom orthotics, and diabetic wound care — with in-office X-rays, diagnostic ultrasound, and minor surgical suites. Home of the Lam Minimally Invasive No-Scar Bunion Surgery. Same-day appointments and easy online scheduling.