The quarterback of Pittsburgh Steelers was carted off the field because of a serious foot injury. Ben Roethlisberger is known for playing tough and after an MRI, it was confirmed that Roethlisberger has a Lisfranc Injury.

Lisfranc injury is a disruption of dislocation of bones in the midfoot. It is a serious injury that requires care and rehabilitation. Lisfranc injury usually occurs after an automobile accident and participants of contact sports. The severity of the injury depends on how many ligaments or bones are affected. Consult a podiatrist for any type of foot injury. Dr. Jonathan Kletz is a podiatrist who specializes in helping people with chronic foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

The most common symptoms of Lisfranc injury includes: 

• Pain that gets worse when standing or walking. Pain can be severe that may require crutches
• Bruising on top and bottom of the foot
• The top of the foot is swollen and painful
• Widening of the foot
• Inability to bear weight
• You are experiencing coldness, numbness, and pain in the foot. Colors like blue, grey, and black are appearing on your toenails.

Common causes of Lisfranc injury includes: 

• Direct trauma to the midfoot
• Falling when someone is standing on your foot
• Twisting injury
• Previous foot or ankle sprains
• Poor strength and flexibility
• Participation in contact sports
• Landing on with the foot in an improper position
• After an injury, you will experience residual pain and stiffness of the mid-foot.
• There are three types of Lisfranc injury and they are: 
• Sprains - the ligaments are stretched that causes instability
• Dislocations - the bones are forced from their normal position
• Fractures - the bones in the Lisfranc joints are broken

The treatment of Lisfranc injury is according to its severity: 

• Medication - the use of anti-inflammatory medicines are often advised. Use only as directed and only as much as you need.
• Ice - treatment should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 3 hours with the help of ice packs or ice massage.
• Seek medical care if the pain, tenderness, or swelling gets worse.
• If treated properly, the injury will heal within 8 to 12 weeks.

How to avoid Lisfranc Injury

• Wear properly fitted and padded protective equipment
• Warm up and stretch properly before activity
• Wear cleats or spikes with appropriate length for the sports condition
• Maintain physical fitness such as strength, flexibility and endurance, and cardiovascular fitness.
• When participating in contact sports such as basketball of football, protect your vulnerable joints with the help of supportive devices like elastic bandages, braces, and high-top athletic shoes. 

Texas Foot Works located in Dallas, Athens and Gun Barrell City, TX, we specialize in helping people suffering from chronic foot problems. To schedule an appointment, call 214-340-8885.