Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
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Lisfranc Injury
At acephysiosports.com, our physiotherapists are able to diagnose and treat a Lisfranc injury — a type of fracture-dislocation or pure dislocation affecting one or more of the small joints in the midfoot. This condition is also commonly referred to as a tarsometatarsal injury or simply a midfoot injury.
What is a Lisfranc Injury?
A Lisfranc injury is named after a French surgeon, Jacques Lisfranc, who first identified the injury in 1815. This type of injury occurs at the joint between the forefoot and the midfoot. It typically involves damage to the ligaments that connect these areas. When these ligaments are disrupted, a dislocation can occur. A fracture often accompanies the dislocation in the midfoot. The bones that make up the midfoot include the three cuneiform bones, the cuboid, and the navicular.
What causes a Lisfranc injury?
Lisfranc injuries are usually caused by a strong force applied to the midfoot, often following a road traffic accident or a fall from height. Crush injuries — such as dropping a heavy object onto the foot or the foot being run over — can also result in this type of injury.
Certain athletes can develop a Lisfranc injury when their sport involves the foot being fixed in position by equipment. Sports like horse riding, cycling, snowboarding, kitesurfing and windsurfing all involve stirrups or bindings that hold the foot in place. If a fall occurs and the foot is not released, a powerful force is transmitted through the midfoot, which can result in either a dislocation or a fracture.
What symptoms caused by Lisfranc injury can physiotherapy help with?
Symptoms of a Lisfranc injury that our physiotherapists at acephysiosports.com can help treat include:
- Pain and swelling in the midfoot
- Bruising on the sole of the foot
- Difficulty weight-bearing
A Lisfranc fracture is a very painful injury, and if it is left untreated, long-term complications can occur. Receiving physiotherapy early ensures you get the right treatment, helping the injury heal properly and reducing the risk of ongoing problems in the future.
How is aLisfranc injury diagnosed?
A Lisfranc injury is diagnosed by a healthcare professional following a full subjective and objective assessment of your symptoms and foot function. In more severe cases, there may be visible deformity of the foot or changes in the skin over the injured area. A standard X-ray is typically used to confirm the diagnosis. If the X-ray is inconclusive, an MRI scan may be requested to assess the injury in more detail.
Medical treatment of a Lisfranc injury
Medical treatment will depend on how severe the injury is. Lisfranc injuries are generally divided into three main classifications:
- Lisfranc Sprain – Damage to the ligaments without any dislocation or fracture.
- Lisfranc Fracture-Dislocation – Both ligament damage and displacement (dislocation) of the bones, often with a fracture.
- Pure Lisfranc Dislocation – The bones are dislocated, but there is no associated fracture.
Surgery is typically required for homolateral and divergent Lisfranc injuries, as these involve more severe displacement. However, isolated injuries are often less severe and can usually be treated with non-operative management.
During surgery, the patient is placed under anaesthetic so that the surgeon can stabilise the fracture using internal screws or external pins. After the procedure, the patient must avoid weight-bearing for approximately six weeks to allow the fracture to heal properly.
Non-operative treatment is considered when there is minimal displacement of the bones. In these cases, a cast is applied for six to eight weeks, and the patient must remain non–weight-bearing throughout this period.
After medical treatment, physiotherapy rehabilitation is essential to restore full function and mobility.
Benefits of physiotherapy for a Lisfranc injury
Physiotherapy offers several important benefits after a Lisfranc fracture, including:
- Reducing pain and swelling
- Restoring mobility and strength
- Improving balance and gait
- Preventing stiffness and long-term complications
Physiotherapy helps to speed up the healing process, allowing you to return to normal function as quickly and safely as possible after a Lisfranc injury.
What would physiotherapy treatment for Lisfranc involve?
Our physiotherapists use a range of treatment techniques depending on your symptoms. Physiotherapy should begin soon after the immobilisation period and may include:
- Manual therapy and joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue massage
- Range of motion exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance and gait retraining
- Progressive weight-bearing guidance
Once weight bearing has begun, a specific rehabilitation programme will be designed to further improve strength, range of motion, and flexibility. This will include more functional exercises such as walking without aids, practising stairs, and gradual return-to-sport activities.
How do I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for Lisfranc injury?
A Lisfranc injury can be extremely painful and debilitating if the correct treatment is not received. At acephysiosports.com, our physiotherapists have extensive experience in rehabilitating individuals with this type of injury following both surgical and non-surgical treatment. To regain strength and function with one of our specialist physiotherapists, please email us at admin@acephysiosports.com or call us on +65 81535374 to book an appointment.
To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosports.com.
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