A Lisfranc injury affects the middle of the foot, where bones and ligaments connect the forefoot with the midfoot. This injury can range from a stretched ligament to a fracture or joint displacement. Symptoms include midfoot pain, swelling, and difficulty putting weight on the foot. Bruising on the bottom of the foot can be a warning sign. Because Lisfranc injuries can resemble a sprain, evaluation is important after injury.

A Lisfranc injury may occur when the foot twists while the body moves in another direction. Falls, car crashes, and sports injuries can create enough force to damage the Lisfranc joint complex. Risk increases with activities or trauma. Injuries are subtle and may seem manageable. Without treatment, an injury can lead to chronic pain, arthritis, or foot deformity. A podiatrist may use an examination and X-rays to evaluate for alignment. An MRI or CT scan may be recommended when the injury is difficult to see.

Lisfranc surgery may be needed when the joint is unstable, bones are displaced, or the injury cannot be maintained in proper alignment without fixation. During surgery, the podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon realigns the bones. Screws, plates, or fixation devices may be used to hold the joints in position while they heal. The approach depends on the fracture pattern and joint damage. Some patients may require fusion when joints are damaged or cannot be restored reliably.

After treatment, protecting the foot is important for healing. Your podiatrist may recommend immobilization and restricted weight-bearing during recovery. Follow-up appointments and imaging tests can help confirm that the bones and joints remain aligned. As healing progresses, your podiatrist can guide a return to activities and footwear. Treatment can help protect foot function and reduce complications. If you have sustained a Lisfranc fracture, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can determine if this type of foot surgery is right for you. 

Foot surgery is sometimes necessary to treat a foot ailment. To learn more, contact Dr. Jeff Brooks of Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assist you with all of your foot and ankle needs.

When Is Surgery Necessary?

Foot and ankle surgery is generally reserved for cases in which less invasive, conservative procedures have failed to alleviate the problem. Some of the cases in which surgery may be necessary include:

• Removing foot deformities like bunions and bone spurs
• Severe arthritis that has caused bone issues
• Cosmetic reconstruction

What Types of Surgery Are There?

The type of surgery you receive will depend on the nature of the problem you have. Some of the possible surgeries include:

• Bunionectomy for painful bunions
• Surgical fusion for realignment of bones
• Neuropathy decompression surgery to treat nerve damage

Benefits of Surgery

Although surgery is usually a last resort, it can provide more complete pain relief compared to non-surgical methods and may allow you to finally resume full activity.

Surgical techniques have also become increasingly sophisticated. Techniques like endoscopic surgery allow for smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside and Temecula, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Ankle arthritis develops when the smooth cartilage that protects the joint becomes damaged or worn. Without enough cartilage, the bones can rub against each other and make movement painful. Ankle arthritis frequently follows an earlier injury. A serious sprain or fracture can damage the joint and change how weight passes through it. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness. These problems can make it hard to walk, climb stairs, or remain active. As the damage progresses, bone spurs can form around the joint. These bony growths can further restrict movement and cause pain when the ankle bends.

A podiatrist can determine whether arthritis is causing ankle pain. The examination includes checking the ankle’s motion, stability, and areas of tenderness. X-rays or other imaging tests can reveal cartilage loss, bone spurs, or changes from an old injury. Treatment depends on the amount of joint damage and the patient’s daily needs. A podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics to improve alignment and reduce pressure on the ankle. An ankle brace can add stability and limit painful motion. Changes in activity can also reduce stress on the joint while helping patients remain mobile.

When these treatments do not provide enough relief, a podiatrist can discuss advanced options. An injection can reduce inflammation within the joint for some patients. Surgery may be considered when severe pain limits work, sleep, or basic movement. One procedure removes painful bone spurs that block motion, and is known as an ankle cheilectomy, pronounced ky-LEK-tuh-mee. Ankle fusion joins damaged bones to stop movement at the painful joint. Ankle replacement removes damaged joint surfaces and uses artificial parts to preserve motion. The best choice depends on the patient’s age, joint condition, and activity level. Early evaluation can identify the cause of ankle pain and help protect mobility. If you have symptoms of arthritis in the ankle, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Ankle pain can be caused by a number of problems and may be potentially serious. If you have ankle pain, consult with Dr. Jeff Brooks from Oceanside Foot & Ankle Center. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.

Ankle pain is any condition that causes pain in the ankle. Due to the fact that the ankle consists of tendons, muscles, bones, and ligaments, ankle pain can come from a number of different conditions.

Causes

The most common causes of ankle pain include:

• Types of arthritis (rheumatoid, osteoarthritis, and gout)
• Ankle sprains
• Broken ankles
• Achilles tendonitis
• Achilles tendon rupture
• Stress fractures
• Bursitis
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis

Symptoms

Symptoms of ankle injury vary based upon the condition. Pain may include general pain and discomfort, swelling, aching, redness, bruising, burning or stabbing sensations, and/or loss of sensation.

Diagnosis

Due to the wide variety of potential causes of ankle pain, podiatrists will utilize a number of different methods to properly diagnose ankle pain. This can include asking for personal and family medical histories and of any recent injuries. Further diagnosis may include sensation tests, a physical examination, and potentially x-rays or other imaging tests.

Treatment

Just as the range of causes varies widely, so do treatments. Some more common treatments are rest, ice packs, keeping pressure off the foot, orthotics and braces, medication for inflammation and pain, and surgery.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Oceanside and Temecula, CA . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.