Guest wrote:
another update.... it's nigh on 2 yrs since my accident all screws are removed, i'm discharged from the hospital and life is going on. I know that foot will never be 100% but it's 75%. it doesn't hurt in normal use. i can twist it and put pressure on to make it hurt but i've learned not to!! I have climbed since but VERY nervous and a bit painful. I've found cold REALLY aches but i guess this is as good as it gets. To anyone who has this injury, it does get better but this is a lifelong club I'm afraid. Nick.
Guest wrote:
I had a rock climbing fall on 28th Dec 06 (my fault, it was too cold to climb but i just had to try the new gear i got for xmas :-) I had 3 screws put in on new yrs eve. After 11 weeks off work the doctor decided he'd leave the screws in and i was fit to go!!! its now 6 sept and it's still really swollen and very painful but the doc said this is as good as it gets, to quote his words. I havent climbed since, hell i cant even run! i also tend to find that the joint and muscles around my ankle seem to ache a lot. It's picked me up knowing i'm not alone. Thanks everyone.
Just an update on my progress. It's may 07 (nearly 18 months since i had the accident) and i'm in as much pain as i was when it first happened. been for x-rays and mri scans and it turns out the screws that are holding my 2nd toe are cracking the bone in the big toe!!! I'm on the waiting list to have the screws out and the bones fused. If the doc ever tells you it's ok to leave the screws in shove something very large and blunt up his arse. Nick.
another update.... it's nigh on 2 yrs since my accident all screws are removed, i'm discharged from the hospital and life is going on. I know that foot will never be 100% but it's 75%. it doesn't hurt in normal use. i can twist it and put pressure on to make it hurt but i've learned not to!! I have climbed since but VERY nervous and a bit painful. I've found cold REALLY aches but i guess this is as good as it gets. To anyone who has this injury, it does get better but this is a lifelong club I'm afraid. Nick.
I am a 40 year old male 5’11” and 230 lbs. I am married 12 years and have three children ages 2, 8 and 10 years. I am fairly active and my job requires me to travel and I make sales calls at rock quarries and mines where I have to walk on uneven ground up stairs, ladders and on catwalks. I have a Lisfranc injury from a fall off a PWC (Jet ski) 7-17-08. Concerned I broke something, I immediately went to ER who took x-rays and misdiagnosed a sprain. A few weeks later, in severe pain and barely able to walk, I saw my GP and he ordered MRI. It took a few weeks to schedule, read etc. He referred me to an Orthopedic Surgeon, who diagnosed a tear of the Lisfranc ligament and I had ORIF 9-16-08.
The original appointment with the orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Landaker, who did my surgery) was two weeks after the MRI’s were read (which was three weeks after they were taken) and I wanted to see someone ASAP, so I made an appointment with another orthopedist because he was able to take me right away. That was a mistake. The Lisfranc injury is difficult to diagnose and my surgeon told me only about 2% of ortho’s will diagnose it properly. The first surgeon took x-rays with me sitting on a table (NWB) and determined I had a sprain. He told me to wear a walking boot for a few weeks and return for a check up.
I saw the second orthopedic surgeon, Stephen Landaker Chico, CA a few weeks later at the scheduled appointment- I wanted a second opinion. On my first visit with Dr. Landaker he took X-rays with me standing on a box, weight bearing (WB) so he could see the separations and misalignments between the metatarsals and cuneiform bones. He took X-rays of my right (injured) and left foot in order to compare the angles of the first tarsal to metatarsal and second etc and to see the gap between the first metatarsal and the first cuneiform bones. The Lisfranc ligament normally connects the first cuneiform to the second metatarsal- forming the structure for an arch. Mine was only torn, but it nearly disabled me. Dr. Landaker explained that the improper alignment causes the bones to rub at odd angles causing pain and long term, potentially severe arthritis. He scheduled me for surgery a week later. I called the first orthopedist and cancelled my follow-up appointment.
My ORIF surgery was done 9-17-08. I was admitted overnight for pain management and to complete a course of antibiotics. During the ORIF I was under general anesthesia. Dr. Landaker placed four screws through my first and second metatarsals and first cuneiform and second metatarsal. I actually had very little pain after surgery. I had a conventional cast that was cut down both sides to allow for expansion due to swelling. This wasn’t too bad. It had a lot of packing gauze, which cushioned the sutures and it didn’t itch- much. It was tough taking a shower, but I just stuck my leg out like some kind of mutant ballet dancer (nice visual). I wore the cast for two weeks during which time I was instructed to keep my foot elevated and take ibuprofen for pain. I kept my foot up as much as possible, but stopped taking the ibuprofen a few days after surgery- except when my foot really swelled. I didn’t want to split the stitches, so I was really careful with it. When my foot swells I sit back with it elevated above my heart on a pillow. That works almost immediately.
After surgery I had very little pain. The pain I do have is related to swelling, which Dr. Landaker tells me can continue for several (up to six) months. The first week after surgery was difficult, mostly due to using crutches. They take awhile to get used to. Mine were adjusted before I was discharged from the hospital (Enloe in Chico), so I never experienced bruising under my arms. The difficulty was purely from using my arms to ambulate. My triceps and sides ached for awhile. I did have the option of renting or buying a scooter that allows the user to kneel on and push with the non injured foot. I decided it wasn’t practical. Looking back, it would have been much easier to use the scooter than to deal with the crutches. A walker would not have worked to keep me Non Weight Bearing (NWB).
I saw Dr. Landaker again two weeks after surgery. He took another set of x-rays (NWB) to confirm the correction and placement of the screws. He removed the stitches and instructed me to continue with crutches, to use a hard boot like a walking cast, to continue to use crutches, remain NWB and to keep my foot elevated.
I traveled by air for the first time on business three weeks post surgery. Dr. Landaker was concerned about me over doing it, but I had a coworker drive and I was very careful not to bear weight on my injury. He prescribed me some Vicodin, just in case. I took them with me on the trip, but only took one on the flight back. The toughest thing about flying was getting my suitcase through the airport. The flying and riding in the car was a little uncomfortable, but I elevated my foot every evening at the hotel. I did get rid of my briefcase and bought a backpack for my computer and files. I used curb-side check in so I wouldn’t have to muscle my suitcase far.
I saw Dr. Landaker again four weeks post surgery when I returned from my trip. He told me I could wear a shoe told me to remain NWB and continue with crutches. He did not take x-rays at that visit. He said everything looked good. The incision was healing and the scab was beginning to fall off.
I am six weeks post surgery now. I saw Dr. Landaker this morning and he took x-rays (WB) on the box for the first time since the ORIF. Everything is holding. I was surprised since I am up to about 240 lbs now. All of this sitting on my @*$ is not doing me any benefit there. He wrote me a prescription for custom othoses which I will have to wear for a year or longer. He told me I can begin to gradually walk this week- with the crutches at first. He also said I can ride a bike. I am looking forward to some exercise! I have very little pain and am not taking the Vicodin or Ibuprofen. There is some swelling, but I think that will improve with time and measured activity. I have an appointment to see Dr. Landaker again in six weeks. I should be able to walk easily without the aid of the crutches by then. He plans on taking out the screws six months post surgery.
The injury was very painful up until I had the surgery. I have read many cases of people with Lisfranc injuries and though I am no expert, I think I would have been seriously disabled, if I had not had the ORIF. I am very positive about the outcome and my future ability. My goal is to ride my bike and begin walking, be jogging in a few weeks/ months, and snowboarding with my wife and kids winter 2009/ 2010. I am thankful for a careful and talented surgeon and a very kind and professional staff at Enloe Hospital.
I hope this helps those of you having problems with the Lisfranc injury.
The original appointment with the orthopedic surgeon (Dr. Landaker, who did my surgery) was two weeks after the MRI’s were read (which was three weeks after they were taken) and I wanted to see someone ASAP, so I made an appointment with another orthopedist because he was able to take me right away. That was a mistake. The Lisfranc injury is difficult to diagnose and my surgeon told me only about 2% of ortho’s will diagnose it properly. The first surgeon took x-rays with me sitting on a table (NWB) and determined I had a sprain. He told me to wear a walking boot for a few weeks and return for a check up.
I saw the second orthopedic surgeon, Stephen Landaker Chico, CA a few weeks later at the scheduled appointment- I wanted a second opinion. On my first visit with Dr. Landaker he took X-rays with me standing on a box, weight bearing (WB) so he could see the separations and misalignments between the metatarsals and cuneiform bones. He took X-rays of my right (injured) and left foot in order to compare the angles of the first tarsal to metatarsal and second etc and to see the gap between the first metatarsal and the first cuneiform bones. The Lisfranc ligament normally connects the first cuneiform to the second metatarsal- forming the structure for an arch. Mine was only torn, but it nearly disabled me. Dr. Landaker explained that the improper alignment causes the bones to rub at odd angles causing pain and long term, potentially severe arthritis. He scheduled me for surgery a week later. I called the first orthopedist and cancelled my follow-up appointment.
My ORIF surgery was done 9-17-08. I was admitted overnight for pain management and to complete a course of antibiotics. During the ORIF I was under general anesthesia. Dr. Landaker placed four screws through my first and second metatarsals and first cuneiform and second metatarsal. I actually had very little pain after surgery. I had a conventional cast that was cut down both sides to allow for expansion due to swelling. This wasn’t too bad. It had a lot of packing gauze, which cushioned the sutures and it didn’t itch- much. It was tough taking a shower, but I just stuck my leg out like some kind of mutant ballet dancer (nice visual). I wore the cast for two weeks during which time I was instructed to keep my foot elevated and take ibuprofen for pain. I kept my foot up as much as possible, but stopped taking the ibuprofen a few days after surgery- except when my foot really swelled. I didn’t want to split the stitches, so I was really careful with it. When my foot swells I sit back with it elevated above my heart on a pillow. That works almost immediately.
After surgery I had very little pain. The pain I do have is related to swelling, which Dr. Landaker tells me can continue for several (up to six) months. The first week after surgery was difficult, mostly due to using crutches. They take awhile to get used to. Mine were adjusted before I was discharged from the hospital (Enloe in Chico), so I never experienced bruising under my arms. The difficulty was purely from using my arms to ambulate. My triceps and sides ached for awhile. I did have the option of renting or buying a scooter that allows the user to kneel on and push with the non injured foot. I decided it wasn’t practical. Looking back, it would have been much easier to use the scooter than to deal with the crutches. A walker would not have worked to keep me Non Weight Bearing (NWB).
I saw Dr. Landaker again two weeks after surgery. He took another set of x-rays (NWB) to confirm the correction and placement of the screws. He removed the stitches and instructed me to continue with crutches, to use a hard boot like a walking cast, to continue to use crutches, remain NWB and to keep my foot elevated.
I traveled by air for the first time on business three weeks post surgery. Dr. Landaker was concerned about me over doing it, but I had a coworker drive and I was very careful not to bear weight on my injury. He prescribed me some Vicodin, just in case. I took them with me on the trip, but only took one on the flight back. The toughest thing about flying was getting my suitcase through the airport. The flying and riding in the car was a little uncomfortable, but I elevated my foot every evening at the hotel. I did get rid of my briefcase and bought a backpack for my computer and files. I used curb-side check in so I wouldn’t have to muscle my suitcase far.
I saw Dr. Landaker again four weeks post surgery when I returned from my trip. He told me I could wear a shoe told me to remain NWB and continue with crutches. He did not take x-rays at that visit. He said everything looked good. The incision was healing and the scab was beginning to fall off.
I am six weeks post surgery now. I saw Dr. Landaker this morning and he took x-rays (WB) on the box for the first time since the ORIF. Everything is holding. I was surprised since I am up to about 240 lbs now. All of this sitting on my @*$ is not doing me any benefit there. He wrote me a prescription for custom othoses which I will have to wear for a year or longer. He told me I can begin to gradually walk this week- with the crutches at first. He also said I can ride a bike. I am looking forward to some exercise! I have very little pain and am not taking the Vicodin or Ibuprofen. There is some swelling, but I think that will improve with time and measured activity. I have an appointment to see Dr. Landaker again in six weeks. I should be able to walk easily without the aid of the crutches by then. He plans on taking out the screws six months post surgery.
The injury was very painful up until I had the surgery. I have read many cases of people with Lisfranc injuries and though I am no expert, I think I would have been seriously disabled, if I had not had the ORIF. I am very positive about the outcome and my future ability. My goal is to ride my bike and begin walking, be jogging in a few weeks/ months, and snowboarding with my wife and kids winter 2009/ 2010. I am thankful for a careful and talented surgeon and a very kind and professional staff at Enloe Hospital.
I hope this helps those of you having problems with the Lisfranc injury.
Hello to all you fellow unfortunate souls.
I broke my foot in December 2007, snapping 4 metatarsals. I had surgery in May and am still suffering from pain, swelling, and no answers. A rash is developing on my foot which completes the picture nicely.
Reading these stories is quite depressing. I had hoped that I would recover most of the ability to walk, hike, and swim quickly but here I am nearly a year later, still in pain.
I broke my foot in December 2007, snapping 4 metatarsals. I had surgery in May and am still suffering from pain, swelling, and no answers. A rash is developing on my foot which completes the picture nicely.
Reading these stories is quite depressing. I had hoped that I would recover most of the ability to walk, hike, and swim quickly but here I am nearly a year later, still in pain.
I just had the lis franc surgery and had four screws inserted in my foot. I remained in a cast for 8 weeks with my foot elevated. My surgeon just removed cast and put my foot in a boot. He instructed me to walk on the boot with 40 lbs of pressure at most. I have intense pain in the heel of my foot when I walk. No pain anywhere near the incisions where the three metatarsal bones were fractured. My doctor tells me that I have developed a loss in bone density in that foot given my eight weeks in a cast and that the pain in the heel is related to that bone loss as well as a tenderness in the heel pad. Has anyone had anything like this happen to them after the surgery? The pain feels as though I'm stepping on a rock in my heel and that it's pressing into my foot.
Thanks.
CC
Thanks.
CC
I am so sorry about your injury. I know all too well what a LisFranc is and how it impacts your life when it is severe...
Eleven years ago (Dec. 1997) I was in a severe car accident. I was only 17 at the time and a senior in high school. Six hours later, one X-ray, and seven doctors later I was told I had a severe LisFranc fracture to my right foot. In fact, at that time it was so rare there were only a few doctors in the entire state of CO that would operate on me. The first surgery was over five hours and they inserted three pins into my foot. I had the pins taken out the following April (after four months of non-weight bearing and crutches and hte use of wheelchairs--since I also had to lug around an oxygen tank from other complications). A year or so later (in May) they had to put in pins again due to the degeneration of the foot and the overall terrible increase in pain--I was back on crutches by this time. Although that was to be a quick surgery, it ended up taking over four hours and another three months was spent non-weight bearing.
During the past eleven years, I have had several complications with my feet. I now have arthritis in both--one from the stiffness, the other from being overactive and compensating too much. The pain I still have is sometimes unbearable. I also still require the use of a wheelchair when I know I have to walk long distances (i,.e. trips to disney, the mall, or amusement parks). I wake up in pain and still have swelling most nights. I love aerobics but I know if I do an hour of it, I should plan on icing and resting my feet for the rest of the day or night. My feet both have poor circulation and get very cold, very quick.
My situation was pretty bad and the complications I have had are also rare. However, the fracture is serious and has altered my life in more ways then I could imagine. My Doctor warned me about this and when I initially was diagnosed the doctor told me I would be lucky if I walked ever normally again. I do walk--it is altered at times, but it is walking. Now eleven years later, the pins that were to be permanent are pushing up against the bones and they want to take them out this summer. It actually worries me, because I do not want a repeat of the first time they took them out. On the flip side, I don't want them to "drill" into my other bones!
Best of luck to each of you that have this fracture---I know it is rare--but most of you sound like your outcome has been better than mine and I also know that so much information is known about this fracture and mine was before they knew this much.
Please feel free to contact me...it is a very lonely fracture when you go at it alone--very few people understand the pain and life changes you may have to eventually make.
Email: _[removed]_
Eleven years ago (Dec. 1997) I was in a severe car accident. I was only 17 at the time and a senior in high school. Six hours later, one X-ray, and seven doctors later I was told I had a severe LisFranc fracture to my right foot. In fact, at that time it was so rare there were only a few doctors in the entire state of CO that would operate on me. The first surgery was over five hours and they inserted three pins into my foot. I had the pins taken out the following April (after four months of non-weight bearing and crutches and hte use of wheelchairs--since I also had to lug around an oxygen tank from other complications). A year or so later (in May) they had to put in pins again due to the degeneration of the foot and the overall terrible increase in pain--I was back on crutches by this time. Although that was to be a quick surgery, it ended up taking over four hours and another three months was spent non-weight bearing.
During the past eleven years, I have had several complications with my feet. I now have arthritis in both--one from the stiffness, the other from being overactive and compensating too much. The pain I still have is sometimes unbearable. I also still require the use of a wheelchair when I know I have to walk long distances (i,.e. trips to disney, the mall, or amusement parks). I wake up in pain and still have swelling most nights. I love aerobics but I know if I do an hour of it, I should plan on icing and resting my feet for the rest of the day or night. My feet both have poor circulation and get very cold, very quick.
My situation was pretty bad and the complications I have had are also rare. However, the fracture is serious and has altered my life in more ways then I could imagine. My Doctor warned me about this and when I initially was diagnosed the doctor told me I would be lucky if I walked ever normally again. I do walk--it is altered at times, but it is walking. Now eleven years later, the pins that were to be permanent are pushing up against the bones and they want to take them out this summer. It actually worries me, because I do not want a repeat of the first time they took them out. On the flip side, I don't want them to "drill" into my other bones!
Best of luck to each of you that have this fracture---I know it is rare--but most of you sound like your outcome has been better than mine and I also know that so much information is known about this fracture and mine was before they knew this much.
Please feel free to contact me...it is a very lonely fracture when you go at it alone--very few people understand the pain and life changes you may have to eventually make.
Email: _[removed]_
hello hope your all well. im in my fifth week of having 5 screws and a pin to fix my lis franc fracture. i still cant bear weight and dont expect to for a long time. you have to keep in mind that this is a serious injury. it is a long road to recovery and there will be plenty of issues that will stick around for a long time . not many people have this fracture and recover 100 percent. my foot is still sore and very swollen. then there is the fact that you need to go back and have the screws taken out .
so stick in there im feeling your pain
and im bored
brettCode:
so stick in there im feeling your pain
and im bored
brettCode:
I totally know what your wife is going through, Im on my 6th week after having 4 screws inserted. I am totally out of my witts end and feel like a fat slob, I cant look after my children properly (even though my partner is helping its still not the same)
I have just had my cast taken off the be given a big monstrosity of an air boot, i can take it off at night, but it just feels so weird and the scars freak me out a bit. I know I am heading in the right direction, and I know there is no point of moaning about it but some days are bad.
My advice would be to take her out in the car, take her for a meal, don't ask her what she wants to do, because quite frankly, we just don't know because everything seems to be such a hassle, so if you show her that its not a case and want to spend some quality time, this will help her feel much better and time will go by faster.
Give her my best wishes, and I hope you are baring up too!!!!
I have just had my cast taken off the be given a big monstrosity of an air boot, i can take it off at night, but it just feels so weird and the scars freak me out a bit. I know I am heading in the right direction, and I know there is no point of moaning about it but some days are bad.
My advice would be to take her out in the car, take her for a meal, don't ask her what she wants to do, because quite frankly, we just don't know because everything seems to be such a hassle, so if you show her that its not a case and want to spend some quality time, this will help her feel much better and time will go by faster.
Give her my best wishes, and I hope you are baring up too!!!!
i noticed in your post that you said you had bone spurs removed after your lisfranc repair... can you tell me where you had them removed and if it was a helpful surgery (and difficult recovery?) at all? I am thinking about having the bone spurs along the lisfranc joint removed surgically because they get irritated and am trying to find someone with some experience in this regard...
thanks
HW
thanks
HW
I had a lisfranc fracture dislocation on the 16th of June. The week before my wedding!!! I had surgery on the 20th. Two screws and two wires were put in to stabilise my foot. I had cast and crutches for the wedding.
On the 8th of July after the honeymoon my stitches were removed and I had another cast put on. In the 5th of August I had cast and two of the wires removed without anesthetic. It was really sore. Then they gave me a big boot to wear (like a cast but I could take it off).
My leg was tiny in comparison to the other one when the cast came off, My foot was really stiff and hard to move. I did stretches each day to loosen it up a bit. It was bad in the mornings but as the day progressed it got better. A week and a half later I was feeling a bit better and decided to take boot off. My foot was still swollen so I wore sandals. Progress Is slow.
At the moment I can walk 3 miles on the flat, slowly. Can go up stairs normally but I still cant go down properly yet. I have to put the bad foot down and then bring the good foot to the same step. My calf muscles are still not as flexible as they were. Ill have to keep up the stretching. My foot feels tired If im on it for 4 hours without a break.
Its still swollen and I cant wear ordinary shoes. Does anyone know how long it takes for your foot to look normal again? I worked in a laboratory and have to wear safety shoes and Im on my feet all day. Im wondering when I can return to the lab. Also when will be able to run again?
I was supposed to return to the hospital on the 2nd of September but I haven't been called yet, Irish health system is great!!! I will ring them and find out whats the story, I have no idea how ling this thing takes to fix.
Any info would be appreciated.
On the 8th of July after the honeymoon my stitches were removed and I had another cast put on. In the 5th of August I had cast and two of the wires removed without anesthetic. It was really sore. Then they gave me a big boot to wear (like a cast but I could take it off).
My leg was tiny in comparison to the other one when the cast came off, My foot was really stiff and hard to move. I did stretches each day to loosen it up a bit. It was bad in the mornings but as the day progressed it got better. A week and a half later I was feeling a bit better and decided to take boot off. My foot was still swollen so I wore sandals. Progress Is slow.
At the moment I can walk 3 miles on the flat, slowly. Can go up stairs normally but I still cant go down properly yet. I have to put the bad foot down and then bring the good foot to the same step. My calf muscles are still not as flexible as they were. Ill have to keep up the stretching. My foot feels tired If im on it for 4 hours without a break.
Its still swollen and I cant wear ordinary shoes. Does anyone know how long it takes for your foot to look normal again? I worked in a laboratory and have to wear safety shoes and Im on my feet all day. Im wondering when I can return to the lab. Also when will be able to run again?
I was supposed to return to the hospital on the 2nd of September but I haven't been called yet, Irish health system is great!!! I will ring them and find out whats the story, I have no idea how ling this thing takes to fix.
Any info would be appreciated.
I was in a car accident two weeks ago, my left foot was on the dash board of the car and didn't get it off on time. I was rushed to the ER in an ambulance. The ER doctor diagnosed it with lisfranc fracture, but said I wouldn't need any surgery and refereed us to the foot and ankle doctor. The foot and ankle doctor said I would need to get surgery, 3 pins in my foot. They are dissolve-able so they will dissolve over a years period of time, no surgery required to take them out. My surgery is going to be tomorrow at Gilbert Mercy hospital. The surgery is going to be at 7AM and is going to take 1 - 2 hours, most likely to 2 hours. I'm only 2 weeks into this and have a long way to go!
Wish Me Luck!
&& Glad to find this topic!
- Josh (13 years old)
Wish Me Luck!
&& Glad to find this topic!
- Josh (13 years old)
Hello,
I was in a head on car accident 5 years ago and suffered a severe lisfranc fracture and shattered ankle. The next morning had my first operation where the orthopedic surgeon inserted pins to stabilize my foot. A month later I went back and his prognosis was not good! He suggested amputation!!! I was literally speechless and was not willing to accept that as my destiny. I scheduled with two more ortho's for their opinion. Unfortunately, they all agreed that that my injury was so severe that the best solution was to amputate!!! Are you kidding? I just thought it was a broken foot....!!!! I was devasted but did not give up.
I did some serious research until I found the TOP orthopedic surgeon in my area and went to see him. He said that my injury was one of the most traumatic he had ever seen however he was willing to operate!!! 8-| 8-| That was music to my ears although he did explain that there were no guarantees. He said that even after surgery that I may never be able to walk on it again. I was willing to TRY ............anything was better than the alternative.
I had my second surgery a month and a half after the first one. It literally took me a year and two months to become weight bearing. I went from being bed bound, to a wheel chair, to a walker, to crutches, to walking cast, learning to walk again and finally walking! Talk about an eye opening experience!
Today, I am pretty much back to normal...I do suffer from minor aches and pains but feel blessed to be able to walk! I am now spinning, jogging, jumping rope and function quite well. Looking at me you would NEVER know.
I am so thankful for all the blessings and decided to share some of the following things that worked wonders for me:
1. Right after my second surgery I had an acupuncture doctor come to my home. He inserted needles in my toes (the only part of my foot that was visible) to help with blood circulation.
2. I had an extreme burning sensation at the bottom of my foot that felt like it was being slowly burned with a torch. I talked with my Dr and he gave me more pain pills ! This did NOT help! My saving grace was: Ethyl Chloride Spray It must be prescribed..it is the ONLY thing that helped take the burning sensation away. Ironically this was not given to me by my Orthopedic.
3. After the hard cast came off -- I went to a clinic that did light lazer therapy!!! This was absolutely AMAZING! My Orthopedic wasn't big on the idea but I really think this is why I do not suffer from arthritis! I combined eastern and western protocols and got amazing results!
4. The only shoe that my foot could initially stand was the Merrell Encore Breeze Slip On Clog ...eventually I graduated to New Balance. Now I wear any shoe I want with a few exceptions.
5. Telescoping Back Scratcher - I used this to get into my soft and hard casts to relieve the itching sensationg....be careful not to scratch too hard as the skin is very delicate. I never had an issue with this device. Mine was bought at Z Gallery. I looked for it on there site but couldn't find it. I did a google search and found them on this site: (I do not get any kickbacks...just trying to help)
6. In therapy, my only advice is to push it to the LIMIT.....do as much as you can despite the pain!!! It will be worth it and I truly believe it helped me recover more!! (Trust me there were moments I didn't think I could endure the pain) This advice was given to me from a lady I met on my first day of therapy. She suffered a simliar injury and when she went through therapy she did the bare basics and shared her regrets with me. She now has very limited movement and has a hard time walking. My only advise: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!and PUSH THE PAIN LIMIT!! I always took a pain pill before therapy....just so I could push it even harder. THERAPY IS KEY!
Well....if I think of any other tips I will post them. I feel for all of you that are currently in this situation and my prayers go out to you!
I hope this helps someone out there!!! It is a long journey but don't give up and BELIEVE IN SUCCESS!!!
One other thing that may help those that are bed bound....you can have someoen buy the new DVD player that has Netflix/Blockbuster built in. You will need to subscribe to their service for apprx $10 a month, go online an pick the movies you want and add them to your instant que. The movies are instantly streamed via the internet to your DVD player and you can watch as many of them as you want! (some minor set up is required) This will help pass time and the movies are at your finger tips!!! I wish this was around when I was in bed!!!
Best Wishes!!!!!
I was in a head on car accident 5 years ago and suffered a severe lisfranc fracture and shattered ankle. The next morning had my first operation where the orthopedic surgeon inserted pins to stabilize my foot. A month later I went back and his prognosis was not good! He suggested amputation!!! I was literally speechless and was not willing to accept that as my destiny. I scheduled with two more ortho's for their opinion. Unfortunately, they all agreed that that my injury was so severe that the best solution was to amputate!!! Are you kidding? I just thought it was a broken foot....!!!! I was devasted but did not give up.
I did some serious research until I found the TOP orthopedic surgeon in my area and went to see him. He said that my injury was one of the most traumatic he had ever seen however he was willing to operate!!! 8-| 8-| That was music to my ears although he did explain that there were no guarantees. He said that even after surgery that I may never be able to walk on it again. I was willing to TRY ............anything was better than the alternative.
I had my second surgery a month and a half after the first one. It literally took me a year and two months to become weight bearing. I went from being bed bound, to a wheel chair, to a walker, to crutches, to walking cast, learning to walk again and finally walking! Talk about an eye opening experience!
Today, I am pretty much back to normal...I do suffer from minor aches and pains but feel blessed to be able to walk! I am now spinning, jogging, jumping rope and function quite well. Looking at me you would NEVER know.
I am so thankful for all the blessings and decided to share some of the following things that worked wonders for me:
1. Right after my second surgery I had an acupuncture doctor come to my home. He inserted needles in my toes (the only part of my foot that was visible) to help with blood circulation.
2. I had an extreme burning sensation at the bottom of my foot that felt like it was being slowly burned with a torch. I talked with my Dr and he gave me more pain pills ! This did NOT help! My saving grace was: Ethyl Chloride Spray It must be prescribed..it is the ONLY thing that helped take the burning sensation away. Ironically this was not given to me by my Orthopedic.
3. After the hard cast came off -- I went to a clinic that did light lazer therapy!!! This was absolutely AMAZING! My Orthopedic wasn't big on the idea but I really think this is why I do not suffer from arthritis! I combined eastern and western protocols and got amazing results!
4. The only shoe that my foot could initially stand was the Merrell Encore Breeze Slip On Clog ...eventually I graduated to New Balance. Now I wear any shoe I want with a few exceptions.
5. Telescoping Back Scratcher - I used this to get into my soft and hard casts to relieve the itching sensationg....be careful not to scratch too hard as the skin is very delicate. I never had an issue with this device. Mine was bought at Z Gallery. I looked for it on there site but couldn't find it. I did a google search and found them on this site: (I do not get any kickbacks...just trying to help)
6. In therapy, my only advice is to push it to the LIMIT.....do as much as you can despite the pain!!! It will be worth it and I truly believe it helped me recover more!! (Trust me there were moments I didn't think I could endure the pain) This advice was given to me from a lady I met on my first day of therapy. She suffered a simliar injury and when she went through therapy she did the bare basics and shared her regrets with me. She now has very limited movement and has a hard time walking. My only advise: BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!and PUSH THE PAIN LIMIT!! I always took a pain pill before therapy....just so I could push it even harder. THERAPY IS KEY!
Well....if I think of any other tips I will post them. I feel for all of you that are currently in this situation and my prayers go out to you!
I hope this helps someone out there!!! It is a long journey but don't give up and BELIEVE IN SUCCESS!!!
One other thing that may help those that are bed bound....you can have someoen buy the new DVD player that has Netflix/Blockbuster built in. You will need to subscribe to their service for apprx $10 a month, go online an pick the movies you want and add them to your instant que. The movies are instantly streamed via the internet to your DVD player and you can watch as many of them as you want! (some minor set up is required) This will help pass time and the movies are at your finger tips!!! I wish this was around when I was in bed!!!
Best Wishes!!!!!
Not sure if you will get this as you are registered as a "guest" - but just wanted to say I really enjoyed your story. I am impressed you can jog. Sounds like you have done quite well. Just curious how much hardware was ultimately put in your foot and how much remains? Also - in what way did the lazer therapy help your foot and I assume you mean cold laser? I also had a bad lisfranc but had a very good reconstruction and have done OK after 9 years. In retrospect many of my problems could have been avoided if I had integrated very progressive ideas and very customized treatment into the mix. Unfortunately I had to take much of my treatment into my own hands despite seeing the best doc's around, including making and modifying my own orthotics and figuring out the biomechanical problems on my own. The arthritis is there - I am just trying to stabilize it with a variety of treatments. The first 5-6 years were not much problem. However, I believe there are many things I could have done that would have doubled or tripled that time. Anyway. Just curious if you have any more pearls of wisdom.
I EXPERIENCED A LES FRANC FRACTURE OF MY RIGHT FOOT AFTER A CAR ACCIDENT IN 2004 . ABOUT 1 WEEK AFTER MY ACCIDENT ,THE DOCTOR'S FINALLY DECIDED TO OPERATE MY FOOT. THE PAIN WAS EXERUCIATING! AND MY FOOT WAS BLACK AND BLUE AND SWOLLEN 3 TIMES ITS SIZE, SO THEY HAD TO PUT A CAST ON MY FOOT FIRST, TO TAKE THE SWELLING DOWN. My doctor ,WHO WAS A LIS FRANC SPECIALIST, PUT IN SCREWS AND I HAD TO RETURN 6 WEEKS LATER TO HAVE THE SCREWS REMOVED. The pain afterwards was unbearble,and iT WAS A REALLY DIFFICULT RECOVERY FOR ME . tHE PAIN WAS SO BAD, AND i HAD THIS BURNING SENSATION WHEN THE NERVES IN MY FOOT finally RECONNECTED. iT FELT LIKE MY FOOT WAS ON FIRE. I never thought I would walk normally again., or ever be able to wear 2 inches heels. AFTER i WAS ABLE TO WALK AGAIN, I went to physical therapy and started walking a little every day, and I did alot of walking in the pool. It's been 6 years now. I can now wear other shoes, besides tennis shoes, but not over 3 inches. I'm thankful that i can walk and I try to walk everyday. At the present time, I'm starting to get alot of pain in my right foot, especially when it's about to rain and when it gets cold. My doctor told me that i might get arthritis in my injured foot, when i get older. I can't do EvERYTHING i used to do, I'm still CAUTIOUS- to run or jump, and sometimes my foot just hurts for no reason. I still have numbess in my big toe,, AND I HAVE THIS BIG BUMP ON TOP OF MY FOOT,WHERE THE SCREW WAS PUT IN. I have to be careful not to twist my foot at all, or it will become painful.. I wouldn't wish this injury on anyone. Our feet hold our bodies up everyday, and I'm so gratTEFUL FOR MY FEET.
Healing from this injury takes alot of time and patience with your self , but it does get better . Keep walking!
Healing from this injury takes alot of time and patience with your self , but it does get better . Keep walking!
XD hi. djr1997, my name is Ariel, and Dicember 10/2011 i had lisfranc left foot injury,my injury was the worst of all you guys, i broke; ligaments,join,bones, and i think tendons,after a week later i had surgery, they put in 2metal plates,4 screws, and 2 pins, and 02/10/2012 the doctor removed the 2 pins off my foot the rest stay for ever.now i have an aircast for 6 more weeks and i have the same pain on my big toe and all around my foot every so often, at first i felt that i was the only one with this kind of injury, and just wanna say that don't give up,, I'm 33 years old and I won't say that was an active guy, I still being active until my last breath. after this vacation that god has set up for me, unable to do my sports for at list 6 month, ill come back stronger than ever. just be positive every day. i used to play; basketball,baseball,snowboard,motocross/off road. and as soon as i get the chance to jump into my bike i ll be the happier man in the wold
I injured my foot May 23, 2011 on my birthday. I was playing short stop during a slow pitch softball game. I went for a ball that someone else had a better angle on. As I pulled away my foot was stepped on. The pain was instant and I could not bear weight? It was excruciating. I went to the ER...had and X-ray...negative for a fracture. I knew something was wrong but the doctor said otherwise. They indicated it was a bad sprain. I scheduled an appointment with my regular doctor a couple days later...still non weight bearing but somehow gimping along in severe pain and working I might add. My doctor referred me to a pediatrist. By this time I also had an MRI done. The podiatrist looked at both the X-ray and MRI...guess what...negative for a fracture. So he sends me to PT. This where they encourage me to do exercises with rubber bands. Once again...in pain. This was about one month after the injury occurred. The physical therapist referred me to another doctor. At his point I said forget it. I will deal with the pain and this really sucked seems how I work on my feet 10 hours a day. I went home in tears at times. I tried to resume normal activity and boy did I pay. About 6 months after the injury New symptoms arose. My foot changed shape, color and would at times simply give out on me. I gave in and made another appointment with the podiatrist. I was determined to find an answer so a couple days before the appointment I started googling my symptoms...and everything led to this Lis Franc injury. So I went to my appointment and gave this info to the nurse. She rolled her eyes and walked out of the room. The doctor decided to do a weight bearing X-ray 7 months after the injury. And there it was...a complete rupture between my first and second metatarsals. The only fix is surgery. So I scheduled my surgery...had my surgery and here I am sitting on my couch 3 1/2 weeks in to my 6 weeks of being non weight bearing. Then I will be in a boot for another 6 weeks. Miserable and angry that this was missed for so long.