Did you injure your foot and now feel pain, swelling, or instability in the middle of your foot or arch? Does putting weight on your foot cause sharp pain or difficulty walking? You may be experiencing a Lisfranc injury, commonly referred to as a midfoot injury, which can affect the stability of the arch and overall foot function.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide personalized rehabilitation programs to help patients recover from Lisfranc injuries and restore strength, stability, and mobility in the foot.
Understanding Lisfranc Injuries
The Lisfranc joint complex is located in the midfoot and includes the bones and ligaments that connect the forefoot to the midfoot. These structures play an important role in maintaining the arch and allowing efficient movement during walking and running.
A Lisfranc injury occurs when the ligaments that stabilize these joints are stretched or torn, or when the bones in the midfoot are fractured or displaced. These injuries can range from mild ligament sprains to more severe injuries that require surgery.
Because the midfoot plays a major role in transferring force during movement, Lisfranc injuries can significantly affect walking and weight-bearing if not properly treated.
Common Causes of Lisfranc Injuries
Lisfranc injuries usually occur when the foot experiences a strong twisting force or direct impact.
Common causes include:
Falls
A fall where the foot twists while the toes are planted can injure the midfoot ligaments.
Sports Injuries
Sudden pivoting, jumping, or collisions during sports may stress the midfoot.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Direct trauma or crush injuries can damage the bones and ligaments of the midfoot.
Direct Impact
A heavy object falling on the foot or someone stepping on the foot while it is flexed may injure the joint.
Missteps
Stepping awkwardly off a curb or stair may place excessive force on the midfoot.
Signs and Symptoms of a Lisfranc Injury
Symptoms may resemble a severe foot sprain but often persist or worsen with weight-bearing.
Common signs include:
• Pain in the middle of the foot or arch
• Swelling across the top of the foot
• Bruising along the bottom of the foot or arch
• Difficulty bearing weight or walking
• Tenderness over the midfoot joints
• A feeling of instability in the arch
More severe injuries may make walking extremely difficult without assistance.
How a Lisfranc Injury Is Evaluated
Diagnosis is usually made through medical evaluation and imaging such as X-rays or other scans.
Once cleared for rehabilitation, physical therapists at Rose Physical Therapy evaluate movement, strength, and foot stability.
Your evaluation may include:
• Review of the injury history and medical imaging
• Assessment of swelling and pain levels
• Evaluation of weight-bearing tolerance
• Range of motion testing of the foot and ankle
• Strength testing of foot, ankle, and lower leg muscles
• Gait analysis to evaluate walking mechanics
• Balance testing to assess foot stability
This evaluation helps guide a personalized rehabilitation plan.
Physical Therapy for Lisfranc Injuries
Rehabilitation focuses on gradually restoring strength, mobility, and stability in the foot.
At Rose Physical Therapy, treatment programs are tailored to each patient’s stage of healing and activity goals.
Weight-Bearing Progression
Physical therapists guide patients through a gradual return to standing and walking.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques may help restore mobility in the foot and ankle joints.
Strengthening Exercises
Exercises focus on strengthening the foot muscles, ankle stabilizers, and calf muscles.
Hip and Core Strengthening
Strengthening surrounding muscles helps support overall lower limb mechanics.
Balance and Stability Training
Exercises improve foot control and help reduce the risk of reinjury.
Gait Retraining
Therapists work to restore efficient walking patterns during recovery.
Return-to-Activity Training
Patients gradually return to higher-demand activities such as hiking, running, or sports.
Home Exercise Program
Patients receive customized exercises to continue rehabilitation outside the clinic.
Lisfranc Injury Rehabilitation in Washington, DC
Lisfranc injuries can affect walking, balance, and overall foot stability. With proper rehabilitation, many individuals can return to normal activity.
At Rose Physical Therapy, individualized treatment focuses on restoring foot strength, improving stability, and supporting long-term recovery.
If you are recovering from a midfoot injury or Lisfranc injury, schedule an evaluation at one of the Washington, DC clinic locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Rose Physical Therapy provides comprehensive care designed to help patients recover from Lisfranc injuries and regain confident, stable movement.