Lisfranc
Injury & Football
Pain in the foot that maybe difficult to diagnose
maybe caused by Lisfranc injury. This injury is a dislocation
or sprain of the Tarso- Metatarsal joint, and occurs when
a high energy trauma to the foot is present. This can occur
from a strong tackle during a football game.
How Do We Know its Lisfranc
Joint Injury?
This kind of injury is really very difficult
to diagnose because a Tarsal bone fracture is very difficult
to differentiate from bone bruising. The overt and covert
signs of Tarsal bone fracture and bone bruising are very similar
to each other. The signs and symptom of these two disorders
are abnormal weight bearing, tenderness, swelling and bruising.
Even X-rays present vague results. This is the reason why
most of Lisfranc Joint injury diagnoses are not picked up
on X-rays.
How Do We Treat Lisfranc
Joint Injury?
The treatment of this injury depends on the
degree or extent of the injury. A sprain of the Tarso Metatarsal
ligament only needs conventional treatment. A removable plastic
cast is usually used to immobilize the foot for 4-6 weeks.
To relieve foot pain, a cold compress may be applied. Cold
compressions are done for no more than 20 minutes at a time
for every 2 hours.

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Reusable ice packs
A removable
plastic cast allows the user to do regular therapy sessions.
Non weight bearing exercises such as pool running with a buoyancy
belt can be done when the cast is removed. This allows the
therapist to immobilize the ankle joint in order to prevent
stiffness of the joint.
Usual weight bearing and mobilization techniques
can be done 6 weeks after removing the cast. This is done
with the help of a trained therapist. A gradual return to
sports activities is advised.
The prognosis is not usually good when there
is more Tarso- Metatarsal ligament damage. The widening between
the Tarso- metatarsal joint present on the X-ray causes instability
at the Lisfranc joint. This instability predisposes a person
to osteoarthritis if the situation happens for a longer period
of time. That is why orthopaedists advise surgical fixation
of the joint that would restore the anatomy of the joint.
Wires and screws aid in bringing the bones back to their original
form. After post surgery, the player is then advised to wear
a removable plastic cast for 2-3 months. The player can gradually
return to normal weight bearing activities.
However, the individual player needs to discuss with his therapist
if the activity fits the presence of screws and wires. If
these screws and wires are needed to be removed, then it will
take another 6 weeks for the bone to heal.
How Do We Prevent Lisfranc
Injury
Wearing comfortable and suitable footwear may
help the athlete prevent this injury whilst in a game or a
training session.
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Football
Rescue Recommends
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Removable cast protection and support for a Lisfranc Foot
Injury