Hi. First posting. Thanks everyone, I've read all postings and it has been helpful. I'll get to it as I have lots to say. November 7 slip & fall; Right foot. 4 screws; 3 pins. Had to wait three weeks for swelling to go down before I could have surgery. Get to wait bear March 1, 2007 (four months). My orthopedic hand/foot specialist says LisFranc holds foot up like a Roman Arch. If I chose not to have surgery, arch would likely fall with consequent breakage of other joints in foot. She also says I will have to wear orthotics for the rest of my life because the surgery is not fool-proof and I have to give my arch as much support as possible. She says expect swelling up to a year. She prefers to take screws out at one year. I got the pins (wires) out at 6 weeks. It hurt. She operates on LisFranc joints about 15 times a year.
Things I have learned and/or found useful: Before and after surgery I was supposed to have foot above heart; so it was a total of 6 weeks. I expected to work from home from my laptop and it really couldn't happen. Sitting in a jackknife position is not conducive to hours on the computer. I have shoulder issues, so I find the "Roller-Aid" a lifesaver. I can switch from crutches to roller-aid to rotate the muscle/joint strain. It's like a little scooter you can put your knee on. Fanny pack helps to carry stuff. Bath transfer bench is really helpful. Also riser you can put on the toilet keeps the good leg from having to do a lot of squats (sorry, TMI). Therapy pool at local rec. center helps a lot. I expect it will be really helpful once I'm weight bearing as I can walk in the pool and vary the weight on my foot by the depth of the water. Tablemate II, an adjustable TV-tray type gizmo helps for work/eating/stuff. An experienced Physical Therapist is astoundingly helpful after you can start to weight bear. I learned this from a spiral fracture of left leg a few years back. I asked my P.T. about arthritis in LisFranc and he says any previously broken bone is likely to get it. I am 53 and he says usually it takes 20-25 years to show up and by then arthritis may be the least of my worries (Gee, that's good news, I guess…).
Like guest, I suffered not too much pain after surgery, only had to use narcotics for about 4 days. Everyone's different and has different nerve involvement.
This injury makes 5-way spiral fracture of tib-fib (skiing) seem like child's play in terms of recovery. Patience and meditation will get my through, I hope. I can kiss off the ski season and most of the (real) hiking season. I suspect the hiking trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in October won't be such a hot idea either. (#*!#@&). Tell all people who think you are a whiner that this injury can put pro football players down for a year!
Two Pollyanna thoughts: Like OBXsurfer, if you are lucky enough to have a caregiver or friend to help out; love them! Also, Imagine if all us LisFrancs were poor people in third world countries--we could just kiss the use of our foot goodbye.
Best wishes and sympathy to all!
Things I have learned and/or found useful: Before and after surgery I was supposed to have foot above heart; so it was a total of 6 weeks. I expected to work from home from my laptop and it really couldn't happen. Sitting in a jackknife position is not conducive to hours on the computer. I have shoulder issues, so I find the "Roller-Aid" a lifesaver. I can switch from crutches to roller-aid to rotate the muscle/joint strain. It's like a little scooter you can put your knee on. Fanny pack helps to carry stuff. Bath transfer bench is really helpful. Also riser you can put on the toilet keeps the good leg from having to do a lot of squats (sorry, TMI). Therapy pool at local rec. center helps a lot. I expect it will be really helpful once I'm weight bearing as I can walk in the pool and vary the weight on my foot by the depth of the water. Tablemate II, an adjustable TV-tray type gizmo helps for work/eating/stuff. An experienced Physical Therapist is astoundingly helpful after you can start to weight bear. I learned this from a spiral fracture of left leg a few years back. I asked my P.T. about arthritis in LisFranc and he says any previously broken bone is likely to get it. I am 53 and he says usually it takes 20-25 years to show up and by then arthritis may be the least of my worries (Gee, that's good news, I guess…).
Like guest, I suffered not too much pain after surgery, only had to use narcotics for about 4 days. Everyone's different and has different nerve involvement.
This injury makes 5-way spiral fracture of tib-fib (skiing) seem like child's play in terms of recovery. Patience and meditation will get my through, I hope. I can kiss off the ski season and most of the (real) hiking season. I suspect the hiking trip to the bottom of the Grand Canyon in October won't be such a hot idea either. (#*!#@&). Tell all people who think you are a whiner that this injury can put pro football players down for a year!
Two Pollyanna thoughts: Like OBXsurfer, if you are lucky enough to have a caregiver or friend to help out; love them! Also, Imagine if all us LisFrancs were poor people in third world countries--we could just kiss the use of our foot goodbye.
Best wishes and sympathy to all!
Dear Gimpy, I live in a well-known ski town and there are alot of good orthopedic specialists here. It seems like the general consensus among them is that asprin or ibuprofen (anti-inflamatories) interfere with the bone healing process. It may still be a controversial issue among the orthopedists but it seems like the tide is toward "No" on anti-inflamatories here. Tylenol doesn't do anything for me so it is a real drag not to be able to use them, but I would personally rather work toward bone healing at this point.
hi. this is my first time posting. its good to hear everyones stories about this injury. i suffered my injury on october 17th and had surgery on the 26th. i needed 3 screws and 2 pins in my foot. the doctor took the pins out about 2 months after the surgery. surgery itsself was not too bad for me. i was in the hospital for about a day and after 2 days off pain meds. as of january 22nd the doctor said i could begin walking again. so i have been walking, barefoot, without any pain but a little ankle weakness. i guess i have been lucky compared to some of the horror stories.
i had no insurance so i had to go to a county hosipital and if anybody has been to a county hospital they know its a nightmare. its hard to talk to the doctor so im not sure about much of the recovery process. all he told me is that i did not need physical therapy because im young, im 22, and that i could start walking again in regular shoes. i was wondering if that is a good idea. should i be taking more precautions to make sure my foot heals better? it is still swollen and red. should i be concerned? also what am i looking at in future complications?
i want to start working but my work require alot of walking and standing. so i want to come back asap but dont want to risk further injury.
any tips and suggestions would be welcome.
thanks and goodluck to everyone.
i had no insurance so i had to go to a county hosipital and if anybody has been to a county hospital they know its a nightmare. its hard to talk to the doctor so im not sure about much of the recovery process. all he told me is that i did not need physical therapy because im young, im 22, and that i could start walking again in regular shoes. i was wondering if that is a good idea. should i be taking more precautions to make sure my foot heals better? it is still swollen and red. should i be concerned? also what am i looking at in future complications?
i want to start working but my work require alot of walking and standing. so i want to come back asap but dont want to risk further injury.
any tips and suggestions would be welcome.
thanks and goodluck to everyone.
Snore: From what I've read everyone's doctor seems to have a different opinion of when you can start walking; exercising, etc. My orthopedic surgeon just works on hands and feet. She seems to be really conservative compared to other people on these postings. If your foot is still red and swollen I'd make sure and keep it up as much as possible. They sell "Ted" hose at the drugstore which apply a little compression to your foot and keep the swelling down. For me, I find that eventually the compression pushes on the screw that is really close to the top of my foot and irritates the skin; so I have to rotate with an ace bandage. My personal opinion is that I wouldn't want to start work full time at first, maybe try 1/2 days to see how your foot does? My doctor is adamant about orthotics which are fairly hard inserts molded to your foot and provide support to the arch. They vary in price depending on where you buy them. I have a question for you...when you started walking was it just normal right away or did you have to spend a few days on 1/2 a crutch or something?
Glad to finally find some info on this injury. I injured my foot while working in April 2006. I was wearing high heels and stepped into a hole and fell. The pain in my foot was excruciating and swelling was immediate. It stayed bruised for weeks and extremely swollen for months with swelling even now. I could not bear any weight on the foot at all. I was told by several of the walkin clinic doctors, which I was only allowed to see because of Workers comp, that I had a foot sprain. I was put on crutches, ice, pain meds, etc. I was then switched to a boot which I wore for about 6 weeks. They then sent me to physical therapy for 3 weeks. All this while still chasing around my two kids and working 40+ hours per week. I requested several times to be seen by an orthopedic doc or podiatrist, but was told no. The walk-in clinic docs then told me it would take time to heal. It took six months before I could even wear my "nice" work shoes and still have problems with certain shoes even now. I was still having severe pain in my foot and went to my HR person at work who made some calls. I was finally able to see a podiatrist who informed me today that I have a Lis Franc injury and I should have had surgery to repair it back in April. He said I already have arthritis in my foot and is going to do more tests to see what can be done. He thinks because of the length of time and it now healing improperly I may need a fusion surgery to ease the pain. I find the whole situation infuriating and am dreading if I have to have any type of surgery as I am a single parent and being off of my feet is definitely not an option. If anyone has any more info on this fusion surgery it would be greatly appreciated!!
guest: thanks for the suggestions. ill definitely take them into consideration. when i started walking it was pretty normal. there was a little limp and slight pain, but nothing too bad. it has steadily been improving over the past two weeks. i just started walking with no assistance although i did practice in a boot first for about 1 day.
It's been a while since I've posted. I'm still so amazed at all the people who have joined and also have this injury. When most people have never even heard of it...
I'm 9 months post surgery. I will say that the P.T. has helped. Wish I would of done it earlier. I do still have pain & swelling. Some days are better than others. I'm now a shoe size 10, was a 8 or 8 1/2. I'm hopeful that I WILL be able to wear all my shoes in my closet, yes- I used to love to buy shoes. Now, I dread it.
I would like to hear from those who have the bones fused, as I wonder if someday I will also need have that??
I've copied off the previous post with the flickr pic - so click here & you can see my foot after my surgery. I hope it works
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51782606@N00/
Regards,
SKH
I'm 9 months post surgery. I will say that the P.T. has helped. Wish I would of done it earlier. I do still have pain & swelling. Some days are better than others. I'm now a shoe size 10, was a 8 or 8 1/2. I'm hopeful that I WILL be able to wear all my shoes in my closet, yes- I used to love to buy shoes. Now, I dread it.
I would like to hear from those who have the bones fused, as I wonder if someday I will also need have that??
I've copied off the previous post with the flickr pic - so click here & you can see my foot after my surgery. I hope it works
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51782606@N00/
Regards,
SKH
Hi, first posting. I found this site while researching for information about Lisfranc fractures/injuries on Goggle. I read both threads. Thanks for sharing. It helped me so much. I fell off a log on 11/10/07. I fractured the first metatarsal, comminuted the second and third metatarsal. I had surgery two weeks later by a foot/ankle specialist who was recommended to me by an orthopedist who lives in my neighborhood. The doctor fused my second and third metatarsal because they were pretty much crushed, lots of damage to cartledge. He placed screws in the first metatarsal and pins in the forth and fifth metatarsal as all the bones were displaced. I was non weight bearing for 9 weeks and then slowly started bearing weight on the foot in a walking cast. On 2/1/07 the walking cast was removed and I got a removable velcro boot. I walk fairly well with the boot. I will have one screw removed the second or third week in March, but the other three will stay in place for at least six months, to make sure the fusion is healed. I have had little to no pain, which I am overwhelmingly grateful about. I asked the doctor, why am I not having any discomfort? He said I was lucky, lucky, lucky. I rode a stationary bike for the first time yesterday. I was able to put a sneaker on the affected foot (with out shoe laces, my shoes don't fit either). I rode seven miles. I was active prior to this injury. The inactivity, inability to work and the possibility of never being able to run/jog again is the worst part of this injury to me. There are some articles that you can find on the internet that rate peoples return to their activities of daily living after certain surgeries. The scores are not great in regards to metatarsal injuries surrounding the Lisfranc joint. It seems as if you have to have an incredible desire to return to your old self. Good Luck to everyone, I hope this helps somebody, the way all the previous postings helped me.
I got my screws out last week! My injury was October 7, 2006, and I had surgery on the 16th, once the swelling had subsided enough. It's now 16 weeks since the injury, (or 15 since surgery), and I was doing partial weight bearing prior to the screw removal. I'm back to non-weight bearing for a few days so the bones can heal a little. I was glad to get the screws out. I hobbled (poorly) at work and was miserable (I couldn't use crutches). I'm not sure if I was really hurting, or if I was concerned more that the screws would shear off if I actually walked on them. I'm off work for one more week, then hopefully can hit the floor running! (I'd settle for a nice even limp :-) ). My doctor has told me I won't need PT, that the best thing to do is just get out and walk. Anyone else hear this? I think I'm going to ask him for a few PT appts anyhow.
I've been lucky (or stubborn) and haven't needed pain medications for many weeks, though do occassionally take something at night to knock me out if I'm restless and keeping my hubby awake (I'm afraid of hurting my foot when I sleep). I figure it doesn't ever hurt that bad and it could always be worse!
As far as the swelling, someone else said it! My foot is narrower than the other one now, but also thicker! Though not necessarily swollen! I can't wait to find real shoes. I'm expecting to wear orthotics from now on.
Good luck to everyone. Thanks for sharing all your stories. It's made my recovery more doable hearing everyone else's success stories.
I've been lucky (or stubborn) and haven't needed pain medications for many weeks, though do occassionally take something at night to knock me out if I'm restless and keeping my hubby awake (I'm afraid of hurting my foot when I sleep). I figure it doesn't ever hurt that bad and it could always be worse!
As far as the swelling, someone else said it! My foot is narrower than the other one now, but also thicker! Though not necessarily swollen! I can't wait to find real shoes. I'm expecting to wear orthotics from now on.
Good luck to everyone. Thanks for sharing all your stories. It's made my recovery more doable hearing everyone else's success stories.
Hello,
This is my first posting on this site, which has already been SO helpful because it lets me know I am not alone. I broke 3 metatarsals and dislocated my right foot on Nov. 4th when I was going down some stairs at City Walk in Orlando, missed a step, and fell on top of my foot. I went to the ER the next morning and x-rays and a GREAT PA diagnosed a Lisfranc fracture. I had never heard of this type of injury but was told it was very rare and very serious. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who in turn referred me to an orthopedic traumatologist. He takes care of the Orlando Magic and apparently has an excellent reputation. This made me feel a little better, since my husband and I are new to the Orlando area, having recently moved from Oregon - our prior experiences with Florida healthcare system had not been ideal. I had surgery one week after my injury (the ER doc had put me in a soft cast). I have 2 pins in my foot. I can honestly say I have NEVER had pain like I've had with this injury, and I have a pretty high pain threshhold. After the surgery, I was again put in a soft cast for about 4 weeks, and told to not bear ANY weight on the foot. After that, I was put into an aircast or the infamous "robo-boot". I was on crutches and in a wheelchair until 8 weeks after the surgery, at which time I was to begin partial weight-bearing - but only while the boot was on and in conjunction with the crutches. I had my 12 week follow up today and now I am supposed to try to wear a regular shoe, discontinue the crutches, and begin full weight-bearing as tolerated. My pain medication has been discontinued as of today, which makes me very nervous because it HURTS so much to put weight on my foot. It is still very swollen and red and deformed looking - my daughter calls it a hobbit foot. I am in my mid 50's and am wondering if my recovery will in any way be affected by my age. My right leg has lost a LOT of muscle - it is very obvious. My calves are not the same size - I look like I've had polio. My OS recommended physical therapy for some gait training and range of motion. I hope the therapy will help me learn how to walk normally. I was always pretty active, walking, bicycling, and weight training and I just hope I can get back to some reasonable level of activity before too long. He warned me about possible arthritis in the future. My feet will most likely be 2 different sizes - I too love fashinable shoes and only hope to get back into them. I have a closet full of beautiful shoes that I really hope to be able to wear again someday,l but right now it is very uncomfortable to even try to put on a tennis shoe so we will see. I find myself very depressed over this whole experience - I am virtually a prisoner in my home - I have been totally dependent on my husband for everything. Unfortunately, I do not have any sort of support network here in Florida - I haven't met any friends yet and I think that makes a big difference - I know I need to stay positive but it is difficult. Can someone tell me what kinds of physical therapy exercises they have been doing? Did anyone have any trouble giving up the pain meds? I have been on oxycodone (6 to 8 per day) for the past 3 months, and I'm embarrassed to say I think I've come to depend on them and worry about not having them any more. Is there one over-the-counter medication that someone has found effective in managing the pain? Right now, my doctor has no plans to remove the pins from my foot. Thank you to whoever started this website and to all who have shared their ordeals.
Gail in Orlando
This is my first posting on this site, which has already been SO helpful because it lets me know I am not alone. I broke 3 metatarsals and dislocated my right foot on Nov. 4th when I was going down some stairs at City Walk in Orlando, missed a step, and fell on top of my foot. I went to the ER the next morning and x-rays and a GREAT PA diagnosed a Lisfranc fracture. I had never heard of this type of injury but was told it was very rare and very serious. I was referred to an orthopedic surgeon who in turn referred me to an orthopedic traumatologist. He takes care of the Orlando Magic and apparently has an excellent reputation. This made me feel a little better, since my husband and I are new to the Orlando area, having recently moved from Oregon - our prior experiences with Florida healthcare system had not been ideal. I had surgery one week after my injury (the ER doc had put me in a soft cast). I have 2 pins in my foot. I can honestly say I have NEVER had pain like I've had with this injury, and I have a pretty high pain threshhold. After the surgery, I was again put in a soft cast for about 4 weeks, and told to not bear ANY weight on the foot. After that, I was put into an aircast or the infamous "robo-boot". I was on crutches and in a wheelchair until 8 weeks after the surgery, at which time I was to begin partial weight-bearing - but only while the boot was on and in conjunction with the crutches. I had my 12 week follow up today and now I am supposed to try to wear a regular shoe, discontinue the crutches, and begin full weight-bearing as tolerated. My pain medication has been discontinued as of today, which makes me very nervous because it HURTS so much to put weight on my foot. It is still very swollen and red and deformed looking - my daughter calls it a hobbit foot. I am in my mid 50's and am wondering if my recovery will in any way be affected by my age. My right leg has lost a LOT of muscle - it is very obvious. My calves are not the same size - I look like I've had polio. My OS recommended physical therapy for some gait training and range of motion. I hope the therapy will help me learn how to walk normally. I was always pretty active, walking, bicycling, and weight training and I just hope I can get back to some reasonable level of activity before too long. He warned me about possible arthritis in the future. My feet will most likely be 2 different sizes - I too love fashinable shoes and only hope to get back into them. I have a closet full of beautiful shoes that I really hope to be able to wear again someday,l but right now it is very uncomfortable to even try to put on a tennis shoe so we will see. I find myself very depressed over this whole experience - I am virtually a prisoner in my home - I have been totally dependent on my husband for everything. Unfortunately, I do not have any sort of support network here in Florida - I haven't met any friends yet and I think that makes a big difference - I know I need to stay positive but it is difficult. Can someone tell me what kinds of physical therapy exercises they have been doing? Did anyone have any trouble giving up the pain meds? I have been on oxycodone (6 to 8 per day) for the past 3 months, and I'm embarrassed to say I think I've come to depend on them and worry about not having them any more. Is there one over-the-counter medication that someone has found effective in managing the pain? Right now, my doctor has no plans to remove the pins from my foot. Thank you to whoever started this website and to all who have shared their ordeals.
Gail in Orlando
Hey Gail. Sounds like you have experienced all of the miserable stuff many of us have had to go through as well. It never ceases to amaze me how a trip & fall (for me) could turn out to be so serious. I, too, messed up my right foot and the inability to drive is very confining. Rather than spend four months straight at home in the snow, ice, and dark I imposed on my sister and her husband in Santa Fe for a month. This has helped my sanity and I am very grateful for their kindness. This has also helped my husband keep his sanity by not having to help me 24/7 for that long. My sister is a Nurse Practitioner and she has been massaging the swelling out of my foot 2X a day which has been very helpful in the swelling and redness department.
I understand how you can be depressed being a shut-in in a new town. Sounds like you have the go-ahead to walk so hopefully you can start driving now to get out some. I'm sure Orlando has some good public recreation centers. In my small hometown and here in Santa Fe there are rec centers with therapy pools. They even have chairs which can set you down in the pool if you are non-weight bearing. I have being doing aqua-jogging being careful to use only my knee on the affected side and not my foot. When I get the go-ahead to walk I intend to walk like crazy in the pool as I can get my foot going without all of my weight on it from the get-go.
You have been on Oxycodone for a LONG time. I know there is a risk of dependency. I'm sortof surprised that you were told to quit cold-turkey after being on 6 to 8 tablets a day. It would seem they would have wanted to wean you off more slowly, but I don't know anything about that stuff really. Maybe you should see a general practitioner and ask about the situation? Some of the earlier posting discuss Neurontin for severe nerve pain. I don't know where your pain originates from, but if it continues maybe you should ask your regular doctor or your OS about it. Sounds like you really lucked out with an "orthopedic traumatologist". I didn't realize there was such a specialty! Good luck with all.
I understand how you can be depressed being a shut-in in a new town. Sounds like you have the go-ahead to walk so hopefully you can start driving now to get out some. I'm sure Orlando has some good public recreation centers. In my small hometown and here in Santa Fe there are rec centers with therapy pools. They even have chairs which can set you down in the pool if you are non-weight bearing. I have being doing aqua-jogging being careful to use only my knee on the affected side and not my foot. When I get the go-ahead to walk I intend to walk like crazy in the pool as I can get my foot going without all of my weight on it from the get-go.
You have been on Oxycodone for a LONG time. I know there is a risk of dependency. I'm sortof surprised that you were told to quit cold-turkey after being on 6 to 8 tablets a day. It would seem they would have wanted to wean you off more slowly, but I don't know anything about that stuff really. Maybe you should see a general practitioner and ask about the situation? Some of the earlier posting discuss Neurontin for severe nerve pain. I don't know where your pain originates from, but if it continues maybe you should ask your regular doctor or your OS about it. Sounds like you really lucked out with an "orthopedic traumatologist". I didn't realize there was such a specialty! Good luck with all.
Hi everyone. This is a great site. I really need some advice and input from someone going through this. A horse stepped on my left foot 10 weeks ago. She was on her hind legs at the time, so my foot received a lot of her weight. I went to Urgent Care and x-rays showed a suspected fracture of the 2nd metarsal. I saw a podiatrist a few days later and he wrapped the foot and prescribed a boot and no weight bearing. He suspected a Lisfranc injury but x-rays didn't show one. Two weeks later, after subsequent x-rays and no improvement in swelling/pain I had an MRI which confirmed the metarsal fracture and indicated 2 "possible" fractures of the cuboid, along with bone edema at the 2nd and 3rd cuniform bones. Fractures were non-displaced according to my podiatrist. Healing has been very slow, and I just started weight bearing a week ago. I'm wearing running shoes and have little to no swelling, but I can't walk without limping. I have no pain when standing still and bearing weight, but I can't walk with normal range of motion wihtout pain. The pain is sharp and on the outside of my foot at the cuboid, radiating across the mid-foot. I'm worried now that I have an undiagnosed Lisfranc injury. Being non-weight bearing for 9 weeks was torture. I can't imagine going back, but I don't want permanent damage either. I was a non-competitive runner before this injury and want to get back to it asap. Should I see an orthopedic surgeon at this late date? How many x-rays are normally taken to be diagnosed? My podiatrist has a "mini" x-ray machine and did two films in two different positions. I said I'd like to get back to running, but at this point just being able to walk without pain would be celebrated. Any suggestions/information you all can give me is really appreciated
Sorry to hear about your situation Lynda. I think you are right to be worried that the docs have missed a lisfranc diagnosis. This article may be of interest: <http://www.aafp.org/afp/980700ap/burrough.html>. See, e.g., "the initial radiographs of a suspected Lisfranc joint injury should include weight-bearing anteroposterior and lateral views, as well as a 30-degree oblique view.... A weight-bearing radiograph is necessary, because a nonweight-bearing view may not reveal the injury."
Hi all, haven't posted in a while. I went back to work a few hours a day. Being a Property Manager for a YMCA keeps you on your feet alot, but it also has its benifits (pool to use, stationary bikes to ride, equipment to use). Anyhow I got my screws (3) out on Jan. 29th, well 2 1/2 as one broke and part is still in there, but he said it's in the bone and not pertruding into any of the joint. The removal post-op was worst than I expected. I had alot of pain and could not walk on it for about a week. The incisions were almost as big as the original ones. I got the stitches out on Feb. 7 and it feels alot better. I go back to therapy next Monday and I'm supposed to get orthodics for both feet. I just found out a friend of mine injured his foot the week before Christmas playing football as he stepped in a hole. His doctor said it is a Lisfranz injury but he didn't need surgery and put him in a cast. I just sent him a link to this message board so maybe we'll get his story. I'm including a link to some pictures of my foot, hope it works: flickr.com/photos/93757348@N00/
Its nice to come here and read other peoples stories and know you're not alone.
Its nice to come here and read other peoples stories and know you're not alone.
Hi Lynda,
I think that you should definately see an orthopedic surgeon now. The more you wait the worse off it will be. I was told by my orthopedic surgeon 2 months after my injury (Which happened on September 3rd) that the longer I wait, the more arthritis I will have in the future and it will cause more problems. If I did not have the surgery, I would need bone fusion which is a lot worse off than just the surgery with inserting screws and pins and healing within 6 months. You need to have an MRI to confirm the Lisfranc injury ASAP. From reading various post on this website and other websites, a Lisfranc Injury is commonly misdiagnosed and surgery done a lot sooner is the only and best way to deal with this injury.
September 3rd I was a victim of a drunk driving accident. He came up on the sidewalk and knocked me to the ground and I thought I just severely sprained the top of my LEFT foot. I was taken to the nearest hospital. X-rays revealed no fractures but I had severe swelling and the ER Doc just taped my foot with an Ace bandage. 2 days after the injury, I saw a Primary Care physician. He said it's just a sprain that will get better in about 3 weeks. A week after the injury, I was still complaining sharp pains that did not not get better. That's when I got a referal from my Primary Care Physician to see a foot specialist. I had an MRI done on Sept 28th. Meanwhile I was walking in those velcro Robo Boot that everyone is talking about. Mine is called a Cam-Walker boot.
On October 4th, I was told the results of the MRI. My foot specialist told me that I had small fractures and ligament tear between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. He added that Ligament tears take longer to heal and that as crazy as it sounds, it would have been better if I broke a bone in my foot. Isn't that crazy? Then on October 18th my foot specialist told me that I should have surgery after the nagging pain was not getting any better. The bones in my feet were dislocated and that is what was causing the pain. I opted to have a second opinion. I was told the same thing by a different foot specialist (to have surgery). When all was said and done on December 14th, I finally had the surgery.
2 screws were place inside my foot. I stayed overnight and went home the following afternoon. The meds I was given when discharged was oxycodone and nabumetone. I fininshed both meds within 3 weeks and was not in as much pain as I anticipated. I was placed in a hard cast for 2 weeks and a soft cast for 4 weeks. Let me tell you. Staying at home, not being able to walk around sucks (movie renting and being on the computer for a few hours a day helped a lot). But being pampered was not so bad either. (I live with my parents). You must rest and elevate in order for the foot to heal properly. I had to buy a shower chair to bathe myself because I could not put weight on the foot, I could not risk slipping and falling and hurting myself and my cast could not get wet. I finally got my soft cast taken off February 6th at 7 weeks. It feels good to touch my foot again. 8) My doctor still does not want me to weight bear until next week (which will make 8 weeks). He will talk to me next month about when he plans to take the screws out. I know deep down inside that he wants me to keep the screws in for several months longer since I waited over 3 months to finally have the surgery. I will see what his response will be.
So that was my ordeal (and that is just the medical side to this drunk driving accident. There is legal stuff I have to deal with also). Hope this helps. :)
I think that you should definately see an orthopedic surgeon now. The more you wait the worse off it will be. I was told by my orthopedic surgeon 2 months after my injury (Which happened on September 3rd) that the longer I wait, the more arthritis I will have in the future and it will cause more problems. If I did not have the surgery, I would need bone fusion which is a lot worse off than just the surgery with inserting screws and pins and healing within 6 months. You need to have an MRI to confirm the Lisfranc injury ASAP. From reading various post on this website and other websites, a Lisfranc Injury is commonly misdiagnosed and surgery done a lot sooner is the only and best way to deal with this injury.
September 3rd I was a victim of a drunk driving accident. He came up on the sidewalk and knocked me to the ground and I thought I just severely sprained the top of my LEFT foot. I was taken to the nearest hospital. X-rays revealed no fractures but I had severe swelling and the ER Doc just taped my foot with an Ace bandage. 2 days after the injury, I saw a Primary Care physician. He said it's just a sprain that will get better in about 3 weeks. A week after the injury, I was still complaining sharp pains that did not not get better. That's when I got a referal from my Primary Care Physician to see a foot specialist. I had an MRI done on Sept 28th. Meanwhile I was walking in those velcro Robo Boot that everyone is talking about. Mine is called a Cam-Walker boot.
On October 4th, I was told the results of the MRI. My foot specialist told me that I had small fractures and ligament tear between the 1st and 2nd metatarsals. He added that Ligament tears take longer to heal and that as crazy as it sounds, it would have been better if I broke a bone in my foot. Isn't that crazy? Then on October 18th my foot specialist told me that I should have surgery after the nagging pain was not getting any better. The bones in my feet were dislocated and that is what was causing the pain. I opted to have a second opinion. I was told the same thing by a different foot specialist (to have surgery). When all was said and done on December 14th, I finally had the surgery.
2 screws were place inside my foot. I stayed overnight and went home the following afternoon. The meds I was given when discharged was oxycodone and nabumetone. I fininshed both meds within 3 weeks and was not in as much pain as I anticipated. I was placed in a hard cast for 2 weeks and a soft cast for 4 weeks. Let me tell you. Staying at home, not being able to walk around sucks (movie renting and being on the computer for a few hours a day helped a lot). But being pampered was not so bad either. (I live with my parents). You must rest and elevate in order for the foot to heal properly. I had to buy a shower chair to bathe myself because I could not put weight on the foot, I could not risk slipping and falling and hurting myself and my cast could not get wet. I finally got my soft cast taken off February 6th at 7 weeks. It feels good to touch my foot again. 8) My doctor still does not want me to weight bear until next week (which will make 8 weeks). He will talk to me next month about when he plans to take the screws out. I know deep down inside that he wants me to keep the screws in for several months longer since I waited over 3 months to finally have the surgery. I will see what his response will be.
So that was my ordeal (and that is just the medical side to this drunk driving accident. There is legal stuff I have to deal with also). Hope this helps. :)