Dear Patmcd,
I had three incisions - one almost directly behind my big toe, one in the middle, and one on the outside in front of my ankle and down a little bit. I have three screws and two pins. The incisions are each about two inches long. The one behind my big toe bothered me the most until the doctor put me on Neurotin (gabapentin), it use to be very sensative and tingle allot. I had pain but it was tolerable, hope this helps and good luck.
I had three incisions - one almost directly behind my big toe, one in the middle, and one on the outside in front of my ankle and down a little bit. I have three screws and two pins. The incisions are each about two inches long. The one behind my big toe bothered me the most until the doctor put me on Neurotin (gabapentin), it use to be very sensative and tingle allot. I had pain but it was tolerable, hope this helps and good luck.
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I had one incision. It's about 2 inches above my big toe up my foot, about 3 inches. I had 3 screws.
Wouldn't it be neat if we could all compare picutes of how our foot looks? Any ideas? I don't think this board allows you to attach pictures??
Wouldn't it be neat if we could all compare picutes of how our foot looks? Any ideas? I don't think this board allows you to attach pictures??
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I wanted to stop in and wish everyone the happiest of holidays. I appreciate reading everyone's experiences, many differences and similarities.
I'm at 14 weeks post op. I began weight bearing at around 10 weeks post op, I think. Mobility-wise, I was able to do it but the aching and pain would overwhelm me at the end of the day. The ortho ordered me to stop the weight bearing until at least my next visit on 12/27. I began PT a couple of weeks ago, just desensitizing exercises like rubbing a dry towel on the top of my foot, toe crunches and drawing the letters of the alphabet in the air. My ortho and I had a decent relationship until I complained of pain in my last visit. He seemed to be threatening me with bone fuse surgery, sending me back to work, etc. I would just like him to do whatever it takes to reduce or alleviate the pain. I can't believe he would jump to those conclusions though, strictly based on standard xrays, not weight bearing and no MRIs. I'm going to stop now as I have nothing but complaints at this time.
I'm thankful that some of the posters say they have little or no pain, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'm thankful for everyone sharing their stories. No one in my life understands this injury so having this thread saves my sanity at times.
I'm at 14 weeks post op. I began weight bearing at around 10 weeks post op, I think. Mobility-wise, I was able to do it but the aching and pain would overwhelm me at the end of the day. The ortho ordered me to stop the weight bearing until at least my next visit on 12/27. I began PT a couple of weeks ago, just desensitizing exercises like rubbing a dry towel on the top of my foot, toe crunches and drawing the letters of the alphabet in the air. My ortho and I had a decent relationship until I complained of pain in my last visit. He seemed to be threatening me with bone fuse surgery, sending me back to work, etc. I would just like him to do whatever it takes to reduce or alleviate the pain. I can't believe he would jump to those conclusions though, strictly based on standard xrays, not weight bearing and no MRIs. I'm going to stop now as I have nothing but complaints at this time.
I'm thankful that some of the posters say they have little or no pain, I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'm thankful for everyone sharing their stories. No one in my life understands this injury so having this thread saves my sanity at times.
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I am glad that I am finally on my two feet without crutches and that was 14 weeks post op. The feeling was great after so many months on crutches. The weekly PT helps a lot. My therapist noted that I walk with a limp(can't help it) and advised me to be conscious of it and try to walk normally or you will subconsciously be forever walking that way. I don't want that so I told her I will always remember and try my best. I walk at half the pace of the normal guys but that's okay. I believe with more exercise and time, I will be back to normal. The foot hurts a little after a long walk and gets swollen by day end but it's not that bad. Understand that it will take approx. 9 months for the foot to be fully healed. I am looking foward to my have screws removed (I had a 7cm long scar).
I don't know when that will be. I have questioned my doctor whether I will have arthritis in the later years but he assured me that I will not have that condition (what a relief).
For those who have just had their op and recuperating, be optimistic. You will get well, it's a just a matter of time. This injury takes a much longer time than any other injury to heal. Do take care and listen to your doctor's advice. I am glad that I am under the care of a good doctor.
Cheer up and have a great weekend and happy holidays.
Best wishes from Singapore.
I don't know when that will be. I have questioned my doctor whether I will have arthritis in the later years but he assured me that I will not have that condition (what a relief).
For those who have just had their op and recuperating, be optimistic. You will get well, it's a just a matter of time. This injury takes a much longer time than any other injury to heal. Do take care and listen to your doctor's advice. I am glad that I am under the care of a good doctor.
Cheer up and have a great weekend and happy holidays.
Best wishes from Singapore.
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Hi - Like several of the posts I've seen I have a similar injury...I haven't yet been diagnosed with Lisfranc though I have had A LOT of problems with swelling and numbness.
I missed one or two steps taking laundry down the steps and I think landed first on my toes before my left foot twisted in. I have an avulsion fracture of the cuboid. My husband is military and the dr on post put me in a hard cast for 6 weeks. At week 5 I thought the swelling was ridiculous and couldn't be up for more than 5 min max without loosing feeling in my toes -- so I went to a foot/ankle ortho.
He took off the cast and took another xray. I still have have the avulsion and a lot of bruising and swelling ...he said that I might have tendon damage and possible Lis Franc injury. He suggested a weight bearing xray to determine. I've also heard that an MRI is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. I'm in a big aircast now and able to reduce preassure from swelling and ice.
Has anyone had something similar? I want to believe I don't have the Lisfranc but the more I read the more I think my symptoms are too similar.
I missed one or two steps taking laundry down the steps and I think landed first on my toes before my left foot twisted in. I have an avulsion fracture of the cuboid. My husband is military and the dr on post put me in a hard cast for 6 weeks. At week 5 I thought the swelling was ridiculous and couldn't be up for more than 5 min max without loosing feeling in my toes -- so I went to a foot/ankle ortho.
He took off the cast and took another xray. I still have have the avulsion and a lot of bruising and swelling ...he said that I might have tendon damage and possible Lis Franc injury. He suggested a weight bearing xray to determine. I've also heard that an MRI is necessary to make a correct diagnosis. I'm in a big aircast now and able to reduce preassure from swelling and ice.
Has anyone had something similar? I want to believe I don't have the Lisfranc but the more I read the more I think my symptoms are too similar.
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Had a Lisfranc fracture and dislocation due to a lady hitting my husband and I with a car as we crossed the street. I had pins, screws and post . Had to stay off of the foot for 8 weeks. Refused a hard cast and had a long soft cast. Wanted to be able to move my ankle. It happend in April. I have had the hardware removed and have been walking on it but I can tell you that every step has pain.
not so much that you cant walk but that pain that wears on you and makes you depressed from time to time when the reality hits you that you walk like a cripple. I was very active before this and walked fairly brislky. It was a family joke that I use to walk fast and I was short and my kids had to struggle to keep up with me. Now they ask me why I am walking so slow. Nothing seems to help. So that's it for me.. depressed.
not so much that you cant walk but that pain that wears on you and makes you depressed from time to time when the reality hits you that you walk like a cripple. I was very active before this and walked fairly brislky. It was a family joke that I use to walk fast and I was short and my kids had to struggle to keep up with me. Now they ask me why I am walking so slow. Nothing seems to help. So that's it for me.. depressed.
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msddshot1,
Just read your post, thought I would respond. If it helps you to know, your are not alone. I also had this happen in April & I still have the pain when walking. I think with time, this can get better, I've heard it can take a year, so we can be hopeful that it will. Have you had physical thearpy? I have my first appt. this week. I have to ask my othro surgeon, he said it may not make a difference? I'll try just about anything.
I also was active, and I really look foward to the day when I can run again!
Hang in there!
SKH
Just read your post, thought I would respond. If it helps you to know, your are not alone. I also had this happen in April & I still have the pain when walking. I think with time, this can get better, I've heard it can take a year, so we can be hopeful that it will. Have you had physical thearpy? I have my first appt. this week. I have to ask my othro surgeon, he said it may not make a difference? I'll try just about anything.
I also was active, and I really look foward to the day when I can run again!
Hang in there!
SKH
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Hey folks, I'm now 2 weeks post op and surviving...
go back to see the doc next week to get a new hard cast and sutures removed.
for those interested, I've inlcluded a link to a few pics of my foot 1 week post op w/ incision sites and sutures. warning: these are not the prettiest pics around...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14058156@N00/
wishing everyone a great new year.
- M
go back to see the doc next week to get a new hard cast and sutures removed.
for those interested, I've inlcluded a link to a few pics of my foot 1 week post op w/ incision sites and sutures. warning: these are not the prettiest pics around...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14058156@N00/
wishing everyone a great new year.
- M
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on the 8th of december I rolled my ankle..visit to E.R. Dr. advised of foot sprain..finally the 19th of december ortho Dr. diagnosed Lisfranc injury, placed a non weight bearing cast for 3wks, removal on 10th of january followed by more x-rays and continued treatment..does anyone know if surgery is not completed, how long will I be in a cast?
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I've gone back and re-read the last several pages. I really feel for everyone here. Treatment seems not to be definitive, heck, the injury itself varies so much from person to person. We still have so many things in common; bouts of feeling low, long healing period, the people in our lives having difficulty understanding our situations, pain in many cases, concerns about the long term effects. I wish there was time and space to address each post.
To the last poster, I wish I had an answer to your cast question.
newfootneeded, nice pics! I was wondering why you didn't have extreme swelling but I remember now, you did it during a company softball game and quite some time has passed between the injury and surgery, right? My surgery was on the same day as the injury and my foot was 2x the size of the other, similar incision. I hope you're doing well and healing nicely. How's it going?
SKH, I have a lot of pain as well and there is one thing that my physical therapist does that really helps, I wish I knew what it's called but they connect 2 electrode patches (for lack of a better word/description) up to my foot, one on the top, the other in my arch. The connected machine sends electricity through to my foot, I control the settings. I was told it's for pain control and it truly seems to help. Does anyone know what that's called so that it can be looked up? I'll ask at my next PT in a few days. Also, the Theraband exercises have made a huge difference and I just started them a few days ago. The last 3 or 4 days have seemed to be the most significant in my recovery, so far.
msddshot1, I completely understand what you mean about the pain that wears on you, seems like the end of the day is the worst. Just like SKH said, you're not alone. I pray we can all find ways to cope with these feelings. When I first posted here, I remember someone saying that when they start feeling down, their spouse suggests they visit the VA Hospital, I imagine that a nursing home or children's hospital would have a similar effect. I think about that a lot and I appreciate the perspective of that poster until this day. I wish I could remember the poster was.
Sporelady, congrats on being crutch-free!!! That's got to be a great feeling, I have several more weeks to go using one crutch or cane. You remind me that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Wishing everyone a pain-free and peaceful New Year and a speedy recovery! Sorry to write a novel XD
To the last poster, I wish I had an answer to your cast question.
newfootneeded, nice pics! I was wondering why you didn't have extreme swelling but I remember now, you did it during a company softball game and quite some time has passed between the injury and surgery, right? My surgery was on the same day as the injury and my foot was 2x the size of the other, similar incision. I hope you're doing well and healing nicely. How's it going?
SKH, I have a lot of pain as well and there is one thing that my physical therapist does that really helps, I wish I knew what it's called but they connect 2 electrode patches (for lack of a better word/description) up to my foot, one on the top, the other in my arch. The connected machine sends electricity through to my foot, I control the settings. I was told it's for pain control and it truly seems to help. Does anyone know what that's called so that it can be looked up? I'll ask at my next PT in a few days. Also, the Theraband exercises have made a huge difference and I just started them a few days ago. The last 3 or 4 days have seemed to be the most significant in my recovery, so far.
msddshot1, I completely understand what you mean about the pain that wears on you, seems like the end of the day is the worst. Just like SKH said, you're not alone. I pray we can all find ways to cope with these feelings. When I first posted here, I remember someone saying that when they start feeling down, their spouse suggests they visit the VA Hospital, I imagine that a nursing home or children's hospital would have a similar effect. I think about that a lot and I appreciate the perspective of that poster until this day. I wish I could remember the poster was.
Sporelady, congrats on being crutch-free!!! That's got to be a great feeling, I have several more weeks to go using one crutch or cane. You remind me that there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Wishing everyone a pain-free and peaceful New Year and a speedy recovery! Sorry to write a novel XD
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Happy New Year!
AuthenticFacade,
I had my appt. w/ph thearpy last week & was surprised on how weak my ankle was while doing some stretches. I've been instructed to do some exercises, to help improve the strength in my calf & ankle. I also learned that I was walking wrong, you need to start on you heel, and finish off on your toes. Ummmm, trying to do this, really is wierd, but it does help with the limp. It has made me pretty sore this past few days. Which is to be expected.
I go back tomorrow, hope to find out more on the thing you were talking about, I'll ask. The Dr. said he is going to go slow with me, working on stretching & then some strengthing. Before I left I sat with VERY cold ice on my foot for 15 min.... it was almost too painfull, Dr. said I really needed it.... still alot of swelling.
Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the lisfranc club members!
AuthenticFacade,
I had my appt. w/ph thearpy last week & was surprised on how weak my ankle was while doing some stretches. I've been instructed to do some exercises, to help improve the strength in my calf & ankle. I also learned that I was walking wrong, you need to start on you heel, and finish off on your toes. Ummmm, trying to do this, really is wierd, but it does help with the limp. It has made me pretty sore this past few days. Which is to be expected.
I go back tomorrow, hope to find out more on the thing you were talking about, I'll ask. The Dr. said he is going to go slow with me, working on stretching & then some strengthing. Before I left I sat with VERY cold ice on my foot for 15 min.... it was almost too painfull, Dr. said I really needed it.... still alot of swelling.
Again, HAPPY NEW YEAR to all the lisfranc club members!
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SKH,
I found some info about it:
TENS UNITS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a generic name for a method of nerve stimulation designed to control pain. There are now a variety of TENS units designed for specific modes of application. The different modes are identified by their parameter ranges of amplitude, frequency and pulse width. The units are small, battery powered, and light weight weighing only a few ounces. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the area of pain and are attached to the TENS unit. A physical therapist/assistant instructs the patient on the positioning of the electrodes and the duration and frequency of the treatment and also sets the parameters for the amplitude, frequency and pulse width based on the patient's individual needs. The TENS unit is used at home by the patient for use as instructed as part of a comprehensive treatment program designed for the appropriate management of pain.
I found some info about it:
TENS UNITS
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is a generic name for a method of nerve stimulation designed to control pain. There are now a variety of TENS units designed for specific modes of application. The different modes are identified by their parameter ranges of amplitude, frequency and pulse width. The units are small, battery powered, and light weight weighing only a few ounces. Electrodes are placed on the skin near the area of pain and are attached to the TENS unit. A physical therapist/assistant instructs the patient on the positioning of the electrodes and the duration and frequency of the treatment and also sets the parameters for the amplitude, frequency and pulse width based on the patient's individual needs. The TENS unit is used at home by the patient for use as instructed as part of a comprehensive treatment program designed for the appropriate management of pain.
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Hi, Help here is my story in short form...does the pain ever go away.I had a late diagnosis. I fell "UP" the stairs on May 5,2006 and went to the ER to be told it was a bad sprain. I knew something more was wrong so I immediately went to an Orthopedic who then sent me for a 2nd opinion. She knew it was a Lisfranc Fracture. After an MRI and a CT Scan, I was scheduled for surgery on July 9th. I had been walking on it until then...very painful, even when I was just sitting still, I had very sharp pains in my foot. I had 5 pins put in and I had a removable cast (just on the bottom of my foot and up my heel and calf, it was held on by ace bandages wrapped around it) This actually was very nice because I was able to sit on a shower seat and wash my foot and leg on a daily basis. I had the pins in for 12 weeks, non weight bearing. I was on crutches the whole time... with a 2 year old!!! Once the pins were removed I graduated to the "BOOT", very large and hard to walk in...but it did help the pain. I definetly suggest using the boot at all times do not try to put weight on your foot until a few weeks after the pins are removed. I am not going to lie...this has been a very long and painful ordeal and I still have pain in my foot and I am not able to run like I used to, this could be more of a mental thing because I just don't want to re-injury my foot. I am very depressed over this injury because of my son he is 2 and I can't run and plat with him like I used too. I know all will be better in the future and I am very grateful for all that I have but it is still very difficult.!!! Ant feed back would be great! Good luck and stay positive!! Happy New Year!
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CorbinsMom
I also have a two year old, so I can relate how difficult it is to play & keep up with them. My son is always on the move. It was hard this summer, as I could not take him swimming or even on a walk. I'm 9 months (about the same time as yours) into this inury and still having issues. Just like you...
I get have issues with finding shoes to wear, as I like to dress stlyish. You can count out boots for me right now. I love boots! I also like to go snow sking this time of year, count that out too! Oh well, I know I do have so much to be greatful for, sometimes it's okay to let it all out. Thanks for listening.
You are complelty understood from this end. Hang in there too....Peace
SKH
I also have a two year old, so I can relate how difficult it is to play & keep up with them. My son is always on the move. It was hard this summer, as I could not take him swimming or even on a walk. I'm 9 months (about the same time as yours) into this inury and still having issues. Just like you...
I get have issues with finding shoes to wear, as I like to dress stlyish. You can count out boots for me right now. I love boots! I also like to go snow sking this time of year, count that out too! Oh well, I know I do have so much to be greatful for, sometimes it's okay to let it all out. Thanks for listening.
You are complelty understood from this end. Hang in there too....Peace
SKH
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I have already attended my weekly PT for 5 sessions and am now discharged. I didn't know that both my knee and ankle were so stiff. At each session, the therapist will assess my foot, then she will bend my toes, my midfoot and the ankle for about 15 mins before proceeding with the exercises. During the 1st visit, I was told to put a rug on the floor and use my toes to pick up the rug when I'm at home. Can't imagine that I can't even do such a simple task up to now, ha! ha! Also, try standing with only your injured foot on the ground and you will realise that it is not easy. The exercises my be simple but it's an uphill task for us. Though I am now discharged, I am advised to continue with the exercises myself.
I have seen my doctor (16 weeks post op) and he mentioned that my foot is progressing well, will leave the metal plate and screws in for another 8 weeks before seeing him again. That would mean I should be expecting the next surgery after that to remove them. I look forward to the surgery (though I hate the idea of my foot being slice open again) because that means I will be free from the hardware in my foot and the movement of my toes, especially when you try to flex down, will no longer be restricted.
So much for now as I am very too long winded.
Dear SKH, understand that you have already removed your screws. Do you need to use crutches after discharge from hospital or you can walk as per normal? How long was the op? From your postings, I can see that you did not attend any PT at all after your 1st operation and you started your PT only after the removal of screws. Won't it be too late? Your foot, anke and knee would be very weak and stiff by then. About the limp, try to forget that you have ever had the surgery and walk with smaller steps.
Dear AuthenticFacade, hope you will be crutch free soon. You had your surgery around the same time as mine. My therapist wanted me to go crutch free as soon as possible when I first attended the session. But note that your fracture must be fully healed before you can be 100% full weight bearing.
Take care.
I have seen my doctor (16 weeks post op) and he mentioned that my foot is progressing well, will leave the metal plate and screws in for another 8 weeks before seeing him again. That would mean I should be expecting the next surgery after that to remove them. I look forward to the surgery (though I hate the idea of my foot being slice open again) because that means I will be free from the hardware in my foot and the movement of my toes, especially when you try to flex down, will no longer be restricted.
So much for now as I am very too long winded.
Dear SKH, understand that you have already removed your screws. Do you need to use crutches after discharge from hospital or you can walk as per normal? How long was the op? From your postings, I can see that you did not attend any PT at all after your 1st operation and you started your PT only after the removal of screws. Won't it be too late? Your foot, anke and knee would be very weak and stiff by then. About the limp, try to forget that you have ever had the surgery and walk with smaller steps.
Dear AuthenticFacade, hope you will be crutch free soon. You had your surgery around the same time as mine. My therapist wanted me to go crutch free as soon as possible when I first attended the session. But note that your fracture must be fully healed before you can be 100% full weight bearing.
Take care.
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