One of the most common types of podiatric injuries is ankle sprains. Still, other parts of the foot can sustain a sprain, including the top of the foot.
Spraining the top of the foot is much rarer than ankle sprains, but it can cause serious damage without proper medical treatment. This type of sprain is called a Lisfranc, or midfoot, injury.
What are the symptoms of a sprained foot, and what should you do if you sprain the top of your foot?
Lisfranc (Midfoot) Sprains
The midfoot is also known as the Lisfranc joint complex, named after 19th-century surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin.
“The Lisfranc joint is the point at which the metatarsal bones (long bones that lead up to the toes) and the tarsal bones (bones in the arch) connect. The Lisfranc ligament is a tough band of tissue that joins two of these bones. This is important for maintaining proper alignment and strength of the joint,” explains the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Lisfranc injuries can inflict pain and may lead to severe complications without proper medical treatment.
Causes & Symptoms of a Lisfranc Injury
The Lisfranc joints and ligaments can experience sprain due to a fall, sports injury, auto accident, or any form of trauma to the midfoot.
Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury include:
- Pain
- Bruising on the top and bottom of the foot
- Swelling
- Inability to bear weight
As with other types of sprains, damage may vary from mild to severe. In mild cases, the ligament stretches and may experience tiny tears. In severe cases, the ligament tears completely. The intensity of the injury will affect pain level, treatment methods, and recovery time.
What To Do For a Midfoot Sprain
Unfortunately, Lisfranc injuries often go undiagnosed and do not receive the necessary treatment.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says, “Injury to the Lisfranc joint is not a simple sprain that should be simply ‘walked off.’ It is a severe injury that may take many months to heal and may require surgery to treat.”
If you are experiencing persistent midfoot sprain symptoms and suspect you may have a Lisfranc injury, it’s crucial to seek medical attention from a trained podiatrist.
Failure to treat a Lisfranc injury may lead to severe complications such as compartment syndrome, arthritis, and instability in the foot.
“Call your doctor whenever you have symptoms of a sprained foot, such as pain, swelling or bruising, especially if pain prevents you from bearing weight on your injured foot or does not subside over a day or two,” recommends Harvard Health Publishing.
A foot and ankle surgeon can assess the damage through an exam, X-rays, and other methods. After diagnosis, your podiatrist will help you make a treatment plan.
Depending on the severity, non-surgical treatment may bring about a full recovery. In other cases, your podiatrist may recommend surgery to restore alignment within the foot.
San Joaquin Valley Podiatrist
Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle has three offices across the San Joaquin Valley offering top-notch podiatric care. With our conservative and compassionate approach to patient care, we will help you get back on your feet as soon as possible.
Contact us at one of our locations in Fresno, Visalia, or Porterville to make an appointment.
