Lisfranc Injury Treatment
in Los Angeles
A Lisfranc injury, a fracture or dislocation in the middle of the foot, is easy to miss and serious if untreated. Dr. Alexis Dixon, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey, diagnoses and treats it precisely.
Foot & Ankle Injury
What Is a Lisfranc Injury?
A Lisfranc injury is a fracture, dislocation, or ligament tear in the midfoot, where the long bones leading to the toes meet the small bones of the arch. It ranges from a subtle sprain to a severe fracture-dislocation.
The Lisfranc joint complex holds the arch of the foot together. When it’s injured, often from a twist, a fall, a misstep, or a direct impact, the bones can shift out of alignment. Because mild Lisfranc injuries can look like an ordinary sprain on a first glance, they are frequently missed, and an untreated Lisfranc injury can lead to chronic pain, collapse of the arch, and arthritis.
One telltale sign is bruising on the bottom of the foot. If you have midfoot pain and swelling after an injury, especially with bruising on the sole, it should be evaluated promptly by a foot and ankle surgeon.
Know the Signs
Symptoms & Causes
Common signs of a Lisfranc injury include:
- Pain and swelling across the midfoot
- Bruising on the bottom of the foot (a key warning sign)
- Pain that worsens with standing or pushing off
- Difficulty bearing weight
- A widened or misshapen midfoot in severe cases
Causes range from low-energy twists (a misstep off a curb, a fall) to high-energy trauma (car accidents, sports collisions, a heavy object on the foot).
Don't Let It Be Missed
Diagnosis
Because subtle Lisfranc injuries are commonly mistaken for sprains, accurate diagnosis is critical. Dr. Dixon uses a careful physical exam along with weight-bearing X-rays, and CT or MRI when needed, to detect even small shifts in alignment or ligament damage that standard imaging can miss. Catching a Lisfranc injury early is the single biggest factor in a good long-term outcome.
Matched to the Injury
Treatment Options
Stable Injury
Non-Surgical Care
For injuries with no displacement: immobilization in a cast or boot, no weight-bearing for a period, and a guided return to activity.
Displaced Injury
Surgical Realignment
When bones have shifted, surgery restores the alignment and stabilizes the joint with screws, plates, or fixation.
Severe / Late
Fusion
For severe damage or arthritis from a missed injury, joint fusion provides a stable, pain-free midfoot.
Why See a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)?
Lisfranc injuries are among the most commonly missed foot injuries, and getting the alignment exactly right is what prevents lifelong arthritis. A board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon has the imaging expertise to catch a subtle injury and the surgical skill to fix a complex one.
Recovery
What Recovery Looks Like
Weeks 0–6
Protected, non-weight-bearing in a cast or boot while the bones and ligaments heal.
Weeks 6–12
Gradual return to weight-bearing in a boot, with imaging to confirm alignment.
Months 3–6
Physical therapy to rebuild strength, motion, and balance.
Beyond
Return to full activity; hardware may be removed in some surgical cases.
What Patients Say
Patient Reviews
Patient Questions
Lisfranc Injury FAQs
A fracture, dislocation, or ligament tear in the midfoot, where the bones leading to the toes meet the bones of the arch. It ranges from a mild sprain to a severe fracture-dislocation.
About Your Surgeon
Alexis E. Dixon, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Dixon is a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon practicing in Marina Del Rey, California. USC-trained and named an LA Magazine Top Doctor since 2017, she combines surgical expertise with a conservative-first philosophy, treating the underlying joint and tendon, not just the symptom. She treats ganglion cysts, bunions, Achilles injuries, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and the full range of foot and ankle conditions.
Meet Dr. Dixon →Midfoot Pain After an Injury?
Don’t let a Lisfranc injury go missed. Get a prompt, accurate diagnosis from a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey.