Lisfranc Injury Treatment at Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation
A Lisfranc injury involves the joint complex that stabilises the midfoot. Damage can range from mild ligament sprains to severe fracture-dislocations, often leading to pain, swelling, and long-term arthritis if not treated correctly.
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we identify Lisfranc injuries early and deliver comprehensive recovery programs. From immobilisation and orthotics to rehabilitation and surgical referral, we support safe healing and protect long-term function.
What is a Lisfranc Injury?
A Lisfranc injury is a sprain, fracture, or dislocation of the Lisfranc joint complex, which connects the midfoot (cuneiforms and cuboid) to the forefoot (metatarsals). These joints are stabilised by the Lisfranc ligament, a strong structure connecting the medial cuneiform to the base of the second metatarsal.
When injured, the Lisfranc complex loses stability, leading to pain, swelling, difficulty weight-bearing, and long-term risk of arthritis. These injuries can range from mild ligament sprains to severe fracture-dislocations requiring surgery.
Because Lisfranc injuries are often misdiagnosed as a “simple midfoot sprain,” accurate assessment is critical. At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, we specialise in identifying Lisfranc injuries early, managing recovery, and providing rehabilitation to protect long-term function.
Causes & Risk Factors
Trauma – twisting injury to a plantarflexed foot (common in sport)
Falls – stepping into a hole or missing a step, forcing the foot into hyper-plantarflexion
Direct impact – crush injuries from heavy objects falling on the midfoot
Motor vehicle accidents – foot planted on brake during collision
High-level sport – football, rugby, netball, gymnastics with pivoting or cutting movements
Hypermobile feet – predisposition to instability
Treatment at Foot and Rehabilitation
Management depends on severity:
Mild sprains (stable injuries):
Non-weight bearing boot or cast for 6–8 weeks
Gradual rehabilitation with strengthening and proprioception
Custom orthotics to support the arch and stabilise midfoot post-recovery
Moderate/severe injuries (unstable or displaced):
Require orthopaedic referral for surgical fixation (screws or plates)
Post-op podiatry care: orthotics, footwear modification, progressive rehab
Rehabilitation at Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation includes:
Gait retraining to restore push-off mechanics
Strengthening intrinsic foot and calf muscles
Footwear prescription to support recovery and reduce overload
Long-term monitoring for post-traumatic arthritis
Symptoms
Pain and swelling in the midfoot, particularly over the Lisfranc joint complex
Bruising on the plantar (underside) of the foot, a classic sign
Pain worsened by standing or walking, especially on tiptoe or pushing off
Difficulty weight-bearing or limping
Instability or “giving way” feeling in the midfoot
In severe cases: visible deformity or collapse of the arch
Diagnosis
At Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – palpation of Lisfranc joint, stress testing, plantar bruising
Weight-bearing X-rays – to detect widening between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals (diastasis)
MRI – identifies ligament injury and associated cartilage damage
CT scan – provides detail of fractures and joint alignment in complex injuries
Contact us to learn more about Lisfranc Injury treatment
If you are dealing with Lisfranc Injury, our team can help you find the most suitable Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinic for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment support.
Whether your symptoms are affecting walking, running, exercise, or daily comfort, we can guide you towards the right clinician and the right next step for your care.
Treatment options are available across Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central and Bethlehem
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Lisfranc Injury assessment and treatment can vary depending on your consultation, the severity of your symptoms, the treatment approach recommended, and whether ongoing podiatry or rehabilitation care is required.
Your Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation clinician will assess your tendon, identify the contributing factors to your pain, and explain the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
10,000+
Appointments delivered across our clinics, helping patients improve foot health, mobility, and long-term outcomes.
7 Clinics
Conveniently located across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga, making it easy to access a podiatrist near you.
30+ Treatments
Comprehensive podiatry services including fungal nail care, ingrown toenail treatment, rehabilitation, and general foot care.
Lisfranc Injury – FAQs
What is a Lisfranc injury?
It is a sprain, fracture, or dislocation of the Lisfranc joint complex in the midfoot, often involving damage to the Lisfranc ligament.
How do Lisfranc injuries occur?
They commonly occur from twisting injuries to a plantarflexed foot, falls, sporting trauma, or crush injuries.
What are the symptoms of a Lisfranc injury?
Midfoot pain, swelling, plantar bruising, and difficulty weight-bearing are key symptoms. Severe cases may cause visible deformity.
Why are Lisfranc injuries often missed?
They can mimic a simple sprain. Without weight-bearing imaging and specialist assessment, subtle injuries may go undiagnosed, increasing the risk of chronic pain and arthritis.
How are Lisfranc injuries diagnosed?
Diagnosis involves clinical testing, weight-bearing X-rays, and MRI or CT for detailed assessment.
Can Lisfranc injuries heal without surgery?
Mild sprains may heal with immobilisation and podiatry rehab. Unstable or displaced injuries require surgery to restore alignment and stability.
What is the long-term risk of a Lisfranc injury?
Even with treatment, many patients develop midfoot arthritis due to joint damage. Early management reduces this risk.
Can orthotics help after a Lisfranc injury?
Yes. Orthotics stabilise the midfoot, improve load distribution, and help prevent long-term symptoms post-injury or post-surgery.
How long is recovery from a Lisfranc injury?
Mild sprains: 8–12 weeks.
Surgical cases: 3–6 months or longer, with gradual return to sport.
When should I see a podiatrist?
If you have midfoot pain with swelling, bruising, or difficulty weight-bearing after an injury, urgent podiatry or orthopaedic assessment is needed.
Why Choose Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation?
Foot and Ankle Rehabilitation provides specialist diagnosis and rehabilitation for Lisfranc injuries, ensuring accurate assessment, orthotic prescription, and long-term recovery support. We collaborate with orthopaedic surgeons for surgical cases and manage post-operative rehab to restore function.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert midfoot injury care is available across New Zealand.
