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Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Lisfranc Fractures & Dislocations

Causes, symptoms, and treatment for Lisfranc injuries, with care at 15 clinics across Middle Tennessee.

Part of Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries

Understanding Lisfranc injuries and your options.

The Lisfranc joint is the group of small bones and strong ligaments in the middle of your foot. It holds the arch together. A Lisfranc injury means those bones are broken, shifted, or the ligaments are torn.

This injury can happen from a twist while the foot is planted, a fall, or a crush. It is often mistaken for a simple sprain. Finding it early matters because unstable bones can lead to long-term arch pain.

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Lisfranc Fractures & Dislocations care

Symptoms

Signs of Lisfranc injuries.

If you notice these signs, an exam can give you clear answers.

  • 01

    Pain and swelling across the top of the midfoot

  • 02

    Bruising on the bottom of the foot, in the arch

  • 03

    Pain when you stand on your toes or push off

  • 04

    Trouble walking, or a foot that feels unstable

Why it happens

What can cause Lisfranc injuries.

  • 01

    Twisting the foot while the toes are pointed down

  • 02

    Falls from a step or ladder

  • 03

    Car crashes and heavy objects landing on the foot

  • 04

    Sports tackles or a horse or bike accident

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Diagnosis and care

How we treat Lisfranc injuries.

Step 1 · Diagnosis

We look for swelling, bruising in the arch, and pain when the midfoot is gently moved. X-rays are taken, sometimes while you stand, to see if the bones have spread apart. A CT scan or MRI may be used to see small breaks and torn ligaments.

Step 2 · Treatment

A mild Lisfranc sprain with stable bones may be treated with a cast or boot and no weight on the foot for several weeks. Crutches are usually needed. We recheck with X-rays to make sure the bones have not moved. After that, a firm shoe, arch support, and physical therapy help you walk normally again.

When the bones have shifted or the joint is unstable, surgery is often advised. The surgeon lines the bones up and holds them with screws or plates, and sometimes joins the bones together.

Recovery

What to expect over time.

Healing often takes 2 to 4 months, and full return to sports may take longer. Some people have lasting stiffness or arch pain, especially after a serious injury.

When to book

Do not wait it out.

See a podiatrist right away if you have midfoot swelling and pain after a twist or fall, especially with bruising on the sole. Do not wait it out, since a missed injury can get worse.

Call 615-220-8788

Related care

More in Fractures, Trauma & Sports Injuries.

FAQ

Your questions answered.

Is a Lisfranc injury just a bad sprain?

It can look like one, but it involves the joints and ligaments that hold your arch. That is why it needs a careful exam and imaging.

Will I get arthritis?

Some people do develop arthritis in the midfoot after this injury. Good alignment early on helps lower that risk.

Get help with Lisfranc injuries.

Request an appointmentCall 615-220-8788

Where we treat it

Lisfranc Fractures & Dislocations care at 15 clinics.

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