✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026

Suspect a Lisfranc Injury? Get Expert Foot Care Today

Don’t ignore midfoot pain—early treatment can prevent long-term complications.

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Don’t Ignore Midfoot Pain — Watch This

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Effective Lisfranc Injury Treatment: Regain Stability and Foot Function

A Lisfranc injury is more than a simple sprain — it’s a serious midfoot injury that can lead to chronic pain, instability, and even arthritis if not treated correctly. Whether caused by trauma, sports, or a twist of the foot, Lisfranc injury treatment focuses on restoring alignment, reducing inflammation, and ensuring full recovery. 

This guide outlines your treatment options—from conservative approaches to surgical intervention—so you can heal confidently.

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What Is a Lisfranc Injury and Why Prompt Treatment Is Critical

The Lisfranc joint complex consists of the bones and ligaments in the middle of the foot, where the metatarsals connect to the tarsal bones. An injury here can involve ligament tears, dislocations, or fractures. Misdiagnosis is common, which is why accurate diagnosis and timely Lisfranc injury treatment are vital to avoid long-term issues like chronic pain or collapse of the foot arch. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who suffered a fall, understanding your treatment options is key to a full recovery.

Lisfranc Injury Treatment Exercises, Rehab & FASTER Recovery Time

Lisfranc injury pain can be severe. We go over the best Lisfranc injury treatment, Lisfranc surgery recovery time, exercises & rehab!

Lisfranc Injury Treatment Options

A Lisfranc injury affects the ligaments and joints in the midfoot, often caused by sports injuries, falls, or accidents. Proper treatment depends on the severity of the injury.

Common Symptoms

• Pain in the middle of the foot
• Swelling and bruising on the top or bottom of the foot
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Pain that worsens with activity

Conservative Treatment
(Mild Injuries)

For non-displaced or mild ligament injuries, treatment may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Immobilization with a cast or walking boot
• Anti-inflammatory medications (if appropriate)
• Custom orthotics for support during recovery
• Gradual return to activity

Surgical Treatment
(Severe Injuries)

If the bones or joints are displaced or unstable, surgery may be required to:

• Realign the joints
• Stabilize the midfoot with screws or plates
• Restore normal foot structure and function

Post-surgery recovery may involve:

• Immobilization
• Physical therapy
• Gradual weight-bearing

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are critical to prevent chronic pain, arthritis, and long-term foot instability.

Struggling with Midfoot Pain? Get Expert Lisfranc Injury Treatment Today

Don’t risk permanent damage to your foot. If you suspect a Lisfranc injury, get expert care now. At Balance Foot & Ankle, our podiatry team specializes in diagnosing and treating complex foot injuries, including Lisfranc injuries.

Call now or book an appointment online—your peace of mind starts here.

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Lisfranc Injury Recovery Time & Surgery Video

https://youtu.be/YVOGY0mwUcY

Lisfranc Injury Treatment & Lisfranc Surgery Recovery Time Video Summary

Do you have Middle of the Foot Pain? This might be a Lisfranc Injury, Sprain, or Fracture!

We go over one of the most common causes of the middle of the foot pain. We review Lisfranc Fracture Treatment, Lisfranc Fracture Rehabilitation, Lisfranc fracture surgery recovery time. This treatment can be improved with exercises, stretches, good shoes, and great orthotics!

0:00 Middle Foot Pain Treatment
0:42 Lisfranc Injury Treatment
0:55 Lisfranc Fracture Treatment
1:12 Lisfranc Injury Diagnosis
1:24 Lisfranc Fracture Test
1:52 Lisfranc Fracture Doctor
2:10 Lisfranc Fracture Xray
2:38 Lisfranc Ligament Injury & Lisfranc Sprain
3:04 Lisfranc Fracture Surgery
3:15 Lisfranc Fracture Surgery Recovery Time
3:45 Lisfranc Joint Arthritis
4:10 Lisfranc Injury Recovery Time
4:49 Lisfranc Fracture Rehab
5:35 Best Middle Foot Pain Orthotics
6:38 Best Middle Foot Pain Shoes
7:15 Best Middle Foot Pain Slippers
7:30 Listranc Injury Rehab
7:58 Lisfranc Fracture Rehab Exercises
9:00 Lisfranc Injury Massage
10:42 Lisfranc Injury Stretches

What is a Lisfranc Injury?

A Lisfranc joint injury is a type of injury to the bones, ligaments, or both, in the middle of your foot. In a Lisfranc joint injury, there is usually damage to the cartilage covering these bones.

A cluster of small bones forms an arch in the middle region of your foot (midfoot). Five of these long bones (the metatarsals) extend to the toes. The group also includes smaller bones: the cuboid bone and the medial, middle, and lateral cuneiform bones. Tight connective tissue bands hold these bones in place and give the joint its stability. This area of the foot is important in stabilizing your arch and transferring the force from your calves to the front of your feet.

A twisting fall may break one or more of these bones or shift the bones out of place, causing a Lisfranc injury (tarsometatarsal joint injury). The injury comes from a French surgeon, Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin. There are different categories of Lisfranc injuries, depending on the direction of the displaced metatarsals and their degree of displacement.

Lisfranc joint injuries are somewhat uncommon. These injuries can vary from simple to complex, depending on the number of bones involved and the degree of disruption.

Lisfranc Injury Causes:

Lisfranc joint injuries occur from trauma to the foot. This may happen with a simple twist and fall on top of a foot that is pointing downward. It is common in football and soccer players. Lisfranc injuries can also happen from direct trauma, like a fall or a motor vehicle accident. Such an injury is more likely to result in a more severe injury with multiple fractures and dislocations of the midfoot bones.

What Are The Symptoms of a Lisfranc Joint Injury?

A Lisfranc joint injury might cause symptoms like the following:

• Pain in your midfoot, especially sore to the touch
• Swelling or deformity in the middle region of your foot
• Inability to put weight on your foot
• Bruising in the middle of your foot
• The intensity of these symptoms may vary according to the severity of your injury and how long ago it happened.

How is a Lisfranc Joint Injury Diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will begin with a health history, asking questions about your recent symptoms and your past medical problems. Your healthcare provider will also examine your foot, looking for tenderness, deformity, bruising, and swelling. Your healthcare provider may grasp your toes and move them up and down, seeing whether this causes pain.

To definitively diagnose your Lisfranc injury, your healthcare provider will order X-rays. Your healthcare provider might need to order special foot views, as these injuries sometimes don’t appear on standard X-rays.

Sometimes, your healthcare provider might order more detailed imaging to get more information about your foot. MRI gives more information about damage to the soft tissues in your foot. CT scans give more detailed information about damage to your bones. These tests may pick up injuries that an X-ray alone might miss. It is important to diagnose your injury correctly because the treatment for a simple ankle sprain (a common misdiagnosis) is quite different. An emergency room healthcare provider typically makes the diagnosis. But an orthopedic specialist might help treat you.

Lisfranc Injury Treatment:

Your treatment may vary based on the severity of your injury. You may need only nonsurgical treatment for your injury if you don’t have any bone breaks, if your bones are still in alignment, and if your ligaments are not completely torn. For these types of injuries, your treatment might include:

• Taking pain medicines
• Wearing a non-weight-bearing cast or boot for six weeks
• Wearing a weight-bearing cast or special foot support after the first six weeks
• Having serial X-rays to find out how your foot is healing
• It is important not to put weight on your foot during the initial healing period.

If your injury is more severe than this, you probably would need surgery as well. Your healthcare provider may do a surgery called open reduction and internal fixation. During this surgery, they put your bones back in the correct alignment. Using special metal plates and screws, your surgeon physically attaches the pieces of your bones back together. Your surgeon might remove some or all of this hardware later. They might also repair other ligament injuries.

Joint Fusion Surgery for a Lisfranc Injury:

Less commonly, the surgeon does a joint fusion as the initial procedure. This surgery permanently fuses one or more of the bones in the region so they heal into a single, solid piece. Surgeons usually only do this if the damage is very severe and they cannot repair it.

After either surgery, you must use a splint or cast for several weeks. You should not put weight on your foot during this time.

Can Go Wrong With a Lisfranc Injury?

Lisfranc joint injuries often cause arthritis in the injured bones of your foot.  In fact this is the most common outcome according to studies. This might cause chronic pain in the region. You are more likely to develop arthritis if you have a severe Lisfranc joint injury that damages much of the cartilage in the region.

Is a Lisfranc Injury Surgery Usually Successful?

This arthritis might develop even if your initial surgery was successful.

Some people need to have joint fusion surgery to relieve these symptoms if their arthritis is severe.

There is also a risk that your bones will fail to heal properly. This might require follow-up surgery. These risks may be higher if you smoke and have certain health conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis.

When should I call my podiatrist?

Call your surgeon if you have a high fever or chills, if the pain increases, or if your foot feels numb.

In fact if you are 1 of our patients he can give us a call and we love to take care of you. 1 the most common problems we see are tight stiff joints osteoarthritis and osteo-porosis in the middle of the foot from disuse due to problems.

What are the most common problems even after surgery from a Lisfranc joint?

• A Lisfranc joint injury is a type of injury to the bones or ligaments in the middle part of your foot, the tarsometatarsal joint. It can range from mild to severe.
• Your Lisfranc joint injury might cause bruising, deformity, swelling, or pain in the middle of your foot. Your foot will likely also be unable to bear weight.
• Your podiatrist can diagnose your injury with a medical history, a physical exam, and the use of imaging tests.
• If your injury is mild, you might only need treatment with casts or boots and pain medicines.
• If your injury is more severe, you will probably need surgery.

Sometimes, Lisfranc joint injuries result in long-term arthritis of the bones of your foot.

Lisfranc Injury Recovery Time?

The average Lisfranc injury recovery time can range from as little as 1-2 weeks for a grade 1 midfoot strain, and he can range to 3-6 months and require surgery for more severe broken bone and dislocation of the joint. Lisfranc injuries can be very severe and are often missed by the emergency room. Your best bet is to see a foot and ankle specialist such as a podiatrist to evaluate the joint’s severity. If you feel your pain is not improving, give us a call; we love to help.

Top 7 Lisfranc Injury Treatment Options for a Strong and Safe Recovery

Discover the most effective ways to treat Lisfranc injuries—from conservative care to surgical solutions—so you can walk, run, and live pain-free again.

A Lisfranc injury affects the middle part of your foot and involves damage to the ligaments or bones that support the arch. This injury is more than just a sprain—it can lead to long-term complications if not treated correctly. Whether you’re an athlete or someone who twisted their foot during daily activity, choosing the right treatment is critical for proper healing.

1. Rest and Immobilization

Mild Lisfranc injuries can often heal with conservative treatment. This involves complete rest, keeping weight off the foot, and using a walking boot or cast for 6 to 8 weeks. Early immobilization helps reduce swelling and allows the ligaments to heal naturally.

2. Icing and Elevation

Applying ice and keeping your foot elevated can reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the early stages of injury. This simple step also helps prevent further damage while awaiting medical evaluation.

3. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can relieve pain and swelling. However, they should be taken under the guidance of a medical professional to ensure they don’t interfere with healing or mask worsening symptoms.

4. Custom Orthotics

Once healing begins, using custom shoe inserts (orthotics) can help support your foot structure, reduce stress on the injury, and improve walking mechanics during rehabilitation.

5. Physical Therapy

After immobilization or surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring mobility, flexibility, and strength. Therapists guide you through exercises to retrain your foot for normal function and balance.

6. Surgical Fixation

For moderate to severe Lisfranc injuries—especially those with joint misalignment or fractures—surgery is often necessary. This may involve internal fixation with screws or plates to stabilize the bones during healing.

7. Fusion Surgery (Arthrodesis)

In severe cases or where arthritis has developed, fusion surgery may be recommended. This procedure fuses the bones in the Lisfranc joint permanently to relieve pain and improve long-term stability.

Treating a Lisfranc injury quickly and correctly is essential to prevent complications like chronic pain or permanent deformity. If you’re experiencing midfoot pain, swelling, or bruising, consult a podiatrist immediately to determine the best treatment path for your situation.

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FAQs: Lisfranc Injury Treatment

What is the fastest way to treat a Lisfranc injury?

Rest, immobilization in a boot or cast, and early diagnosis are crucial for non-surgical recovery.

Can a lisfranc injury heal on its own?

We frequently hear, “can a Lisfranc injury heal on its own?”
The truth is that Lisfranc injuries are extremely unlikely to heal independently.

Because they’re so tricky to diagnose, what might seem like a simple sprain or another common injury could be much more serious.

Can Lisfranc injury be misdiagnosed?

Absolutely.

Lisfranc injuries are considered to be very rare, very complex, and can very frequently be missed and misdiagnosed. We see this especially over time following an emergency room visit. The initial x-ray might not show anything, but after a few weeks, there might now be signs of a more significant Lisfranc injury visible.

What happens if a Lisfranc injury goes untreated?

Lisfranc joint injuries frequently result in chronic pain and functional loss due to residual ligamentous instability, deformity, or/or arthritis if left untreated for a long time.
One thing that we frequently see is that the leg gets stiff and weak. This can cause osteoporosis, leading to a tight ankle and a stiff foot. This can lead to plantar fasciitis and heel pain.

Can you walk on a Lisfranc fracture?

If it is a Lisfranc fracture that is not significant and is not broken, then it is possible to walk on it. We always recommend getting x-rays and making sure it is evaluated first.

Walking on it can worsen if there is a break or rupture of the ligament.
We frequently have the patient protected in a walking boot and keep pressure off it for a long period.

Your podiatrist may recommend using a walking boot, knee scooter, crutches, or a wheelchair in the short term.

How long does it take to heal a Lisfranc injury?

The recovery time for a Lisfranc injury can depend on the severity. The surgery is performed, and it can take up to 6-12 weeks of wearing a cast, walking boots, knee scooters, or wheelchairs.

Getting the motion back can take another 1-2 months of physical therapy.
The most common problem we see is that people get extremely stiff and can develop osteoarthritis in the foot over that period.

Can you recover from a Lisfranc injury without surgery?

LisFranc injuries often require surgery, especially if a broken bone or dislocation occurs. Sometimes the bones are lined up in a way that allows them to heal without surgery.

If this is just a sprain of the midfoot or the middle of the foot, there is a good chance that he can get better. But it would be a good idea to go see her podiatrist and make sure that this can get taken care of.

In that setting, they generally require a cast or splint and no weight bearing for several weeks to months. Surgery can be done in several ways.

Does a Lisfranc injury always require surgery?

No. Mild ligament sprains without displacement can heal with immobilization, but severe injuries often require surgery.

How long does recovery from a Lisfranc injury take?

Recovery can take 6 weeks to several months depending on severity and treatment method.

Can I walk with a Lisfranc injury?

Walking on a Lisfranc injury can worsen the condition. Immobilization and non-weight-bearing are usually required initially.

What are surgical options for Lisfranc injuries?

Common procedures include screw fixation or fusion (arthrodesis) to stabilize the midfoot.

How is a Lisfranc injury diagnosed?

Through a combination of physical exam, weight-bearing X-rays, MRI, and CT scans to evaluate joint alignment and ligament damage.

What are signs that I need surgery for a Lisfranc injury?

Severe swelling, misalignment, or fractures visible on imaging usually indicate surgical treatment is necessary.

Can physical therapy help after Lisfranc treatment?

Yes, rehab is essential for regaining foot strength, mobility, and balance after healing.

What happens if a Lisfranc injury goes untreated?

Untreated injuries can lead to arthritis, chronic pain, foot deformity, or permanent disability.

Is it safe to return to sports after a Lisfranc injury?

Only after full recovery and clearance from your podiatrist. Returning too soon can risk re-injury.

Midfoot Pain Could Be a Lisfranc Injury—Don’t Wait

Ignoring a Lisfranc injury can lead to long-term pain, instability, and arthritis. Early evaluation helps ensure proper healing and the best possible outcome.

Get an expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plan today.

Book Your Lisfranc Appointment Now Call Today for Fast Relief

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Related Treatment Guides

• Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
• Custom 3D Orthotics
• Foot & Ankle Arthritis Treatment

Medical References & Sources

• American Podiatric Medical Association — Patient Education
• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society — Foot Conditions

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Clinical References

1. Myerson MS, et al. “Fracture dislocations of the tarsometatarsal joints: end results correlated with pathology and treatment.” Foot and Ankle. 1986;6(5):225-242.
2. Nunley JA, Vertullo CJ. “Classification, investigation, and management of midfoot sprains: Lisfranc injuries in the athlete.” American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2002;30(6):871-878.
3. Desmond EA, Chou LB. “Current concepts review: Lisfranc injuries.” Foot and Ankle International. 2006;27(8):653-660.

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