HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Causes Pain In Foot And Inability To Walk With History Of Fractured Foot Bones?

Posted on Tue, 21 Jul 2015

Question: I broke my 3rd and 4th metatarsals on March 3/15 as well as a severe sprain of my foot and ankle. It has taken 4.5 months for the fractures to heal. I saw my physiatrist on Tuesday XXXXXXX 23rd and he is perplexed about my ongoing pain and inability to walk properly after all this time. He did say that my injury was mishandled from the start. When I try to walk it feels like I broke all the metatarsals and I feel pain in what I believe is the lisfranc joint. I can't get my foot to do the proper walking function. I want to know what is causing this continuous pain and inability to walk right. It has been close to 5 months now.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lisfranc injury can cause serious complications. Needs urgent Orthopaedic

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have read your query and understood your problem.

Since you have fractured your foot bones and aisi sustained a Lisfranc injury, your have suffered from high energy trauma.

Lisfranc injury occurs to the foot adverb the Lisfranc ligament is torn and the foot bones can dislocate and fracture. This is a very serious injury usually requiring surgical intervention by an Orthopaedic surgeon.

Since you are still having pain while walking out means that the fracture and dislocation complex had not yet healed and may require surgical intervention.

I recommend you see your Orthopaedic surgeon and get a thorough examination and necessary investigations like proper Xrays and other imaging methods to help discern the cause of this ongoing pain.

If the Lisfranc injury still exists then it may require surgical realignment and fixation with K wire, screws, plates in combination or singly. This can be performed only by a trained Orthopaedic surgeon.

If Lisfranc injury of not treated promptly then it could lead to disabling foot arthritis and pain and swelling if the foot with limping throughout your life.

Avoid weight bearing in the affected foot. Use crutches for moving around. Consult a trained Foot and Ankle Orthopaedic surgeon for best management of the problem.

I hope I have answered your query.

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (24 minutes later)

I have not been diagnosed with a lisfranc injury but the area hurts along with pain with all the metatarsals. Is it likely that I may have anoticed undiagnosed lisfranc injury despite all the testing ie: x-rays, bone scan and CT scan? If not what else could be going on. I know something is still wrong with my foot.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Possible ligament injury or fracture which has not healed

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the follow up query.

There is possibility of non-healing of the fracture due to displacement of the bones or improper immobilisation of the fracture when it needed to heal. Also other unnoticed injuries like ligament injuries and Lisfranc fracture dislocation complex can be there.

The only way you can find out is by taking required Xray after getting a consult with your Orthopaedic surgeon who will then be able to comment on the cause of your pain after a thorough examination.

Till you meet your Doctor, kindly use splints or crutches to move around and do not apply weight on the affected foot.

I hope I have answered your question.

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (44 minutes later)

Thank you, I see my GP on Friday and will ask for an orthopedic referral.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Kindly follow up with me after your consult.

GOD LUCK !!!!

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D