In a Lisfranc sprain, only ligaments (commonly the Lisfranc ligament) in the midfoot are damaged. Bones remain unbroken and in place. This type of injury is still stable, and a conservative treatment featuring a period of rest and immobilization may be all you need.
If the bones are broken or dislocated, however, pain may be more intense, with greater difficulty bearing weight. You may even notice an unnatural widening of the foot in this case. These injuries almost always require surgery to repair and realign (or in some cases even fuse) the bones and joints.
Unfortunately, a midfoot sprain can very easily turn into a dislocation or fracture if not treated promptly, as the weakened ligament will no longer reliably hold the bones in place. If you suspect any Lisfranc injury, whether a sprain or fracture, call Family Foot and Ankle Center right away at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572. Even relatively minor midfoot injuries can cause debilitating pain and carry long-term consequences, so expert care is recommended as soon as possible.
