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Healing Torn Ligaments in the Foot
Posted on 08-15-2025 in Foot/Ankle & Midfoot by Dr. Erik Nilssen
Posted on 08-15-2025 in Foot/Ankle & Midfoot by Dr. Erik Nilssen
When an individual suffers a Lisfranc injury, his or her joints and/or ligaments in the middle foot are affected. This type of injury may result from a slip and fall or a major accident. If a Lisfranc injury is mistaken for a sprain and treatment is not sought, more significant problems can arise. While some physicians and centers rush through diagnosing patients, at Florida Bone & Joint we take the time necessary to ensure each patient receives an accurate diagnosis. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensuring patients receive the treatment they need to recover.
SYMPTOMS OF A LISFRANC INJURY
Common symptoms associated with this type of injury include pain and swelling on top of the foot. In addition, bruising is frequently seen. Lisfranc injuries range from mild to severe. An individual who has a mild ankle and foot injury may have no bruising whatsoever. Furthermore, he or she may only experience slight pain while putting weight on the injured foot. However, an individual with a severe Lisfranc injury may notice that the foot looks distorted. In addition, any amount of weight placed on the foot may cause extreme pain.
TREATING A MILD ANKLE AND FOOT INJURY
Following an injury to the ankle and foot, individuals should use the RICE treatment method:
Symptoms indicating a severe injury that requires medical intervention:
DIAGNOSING A LISFRANC INJURY
In order to properly diagnose this type of injury, Dr. Erik Nilssen and his medical staff take several things into consideration, including the patient’s symptoms, diagnostic test results and foot exam results. Dr. Nilssen will examine the patient’s foot to find the location from which the pain is stemming. He will also perform tests to determine the stability of the injured area(s). Dr. Nilssen may order a series of ankle and foot X-rays. These X-rays will show whether or not a patient has shifted and/or broken bones within the foot.
In addition, patients may receive an order for a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test; whereas an X-ray shows the bones of the foot, an MRI shows the ligaments of the foot. Furthermore, patients may receive a computed tomography (CT) scan to assist in determining the extent of the injury to the bone. A CT scan is also beneficial to Dr. Nilssen when a patient requires surgical intervention.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
If Dr. Nilssen finds that the bones and ligaments in the middle of the foot are not injured severely or shifted from their proper positions, non-surgical treatment with casting can be successful. A patient usually remains in the cast for 6 weeks. Some patients will need surgical intervention to restore their foot’s anatomy.
RECOVERING FROM LISFRANC SURGERY
The length of recovery depends on the severity of the injury. In the majority of cases, patients will be placed in a cast for 6 weeks, followed by another 6 weeks in a walking boot. Physical therapy treatments to strengthen the ankle and foot begin approximately 3 months after surgery. It may take up to 12 months for an individual to completely recover from Lisfranc surgery.
Returning to activities too soon after ankle and foot surgery could lead to another injury that results in the development of arthritis, damage to the blood vessels and/or a longer healing time. If you have sustained an ankle and/or foot injury, contact us today.
Sources
With temperatures already in the eighties or higher across the Florida Panhandle, staying hydrated is critical for the health of your joints, not just for your overall health. While water intake is most commonly associated with skin health, digestion and energy levels, hydration is just as vital in keeping your joints moving comfortably and efficiently. Below are a few of the most common questions, along with answers, to help stay “fluid” in the Florida heat.
With the school year beginning soon, many parents, including me, are busy checking off supply lists and preparing our kids for the transition back to the classroom. But as a Sports Medicine physician and a parent, I know that ensuring a healthy and safe school year goes far beyond pencils and paper. The start of school is the perfect time to review a few key safety and wellness practices with your children, especially when it comes to backpack safety, hydration, and nutrition.
At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we believe that when kids move safely, they grow confidently. Whether your child is an aspiring athlete, a weekend explorer, or enjoys the freedom of active play, preventing injury is key to protecting their developing bones and joints.