During the Napoleonic Wars, the famous French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin noticed a high incidence of foot injuries amongst cavalrymen at the same location. This came to be known as the Lisfranc joint, which is the joint between the metatarsal bones and the tarsal bones of the foot. Since the cavalrymen were making sudden stops and applying pressure to the Lisfranc joint (similar to slamming on the brakes in a car), fractures and injuries would ensue.
Patients may experience sprains, dislocations, fractures, or capsulitis at this joint. Most patient will relate swelling, ecchymosis (bruising), and possible limping. Getting a foot x-ray by your foot doctor (Podiatrist) is imperative. It is also a commonly missed injury.
Depending on the degree of injury, the treatment options for your foot injury may include:
Nonweightbearing: immobilizing the joint with a cast or boot and keeping pressure off with crutches or knee scooter
Medication for foot pain relief
Rest, Ice, Elevation, Compression
Physical therapy to relieve pain and foot sprain issues
Foot Surgery
Please reach out to your local Kennesaw Podiatrist if you are experiencing any symptoms of a foot Lisfranc injury!
