Miami Dolphins Ronnie Brown Ahead of Schedule on Rehab of Foot

Running back Ronnie Brown of the Miami Dolphins was having a career year last year when in one play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers his season came crashing down with his football future in jeopardy. He suffered a Lisfranc's fracture of his right foot which required surgery. Fortunately for him and the Dolphins, he is ahead of schedule and plans to take part in summer workouts and be ready for the upcoming season.

Lisfranc's joint is a joint in the middle of the foot where the tarsal bones (midfoot) and metatarsal bones (long bones of the foot or forefoot) come together. Injury usually occurs when there is a traumatic impact or a violent rotational force where both the forefoot and midfoot come together, causing a ligament strain or complete dislocation of the joint or joints involved. This twisting force can also cause a fracture due to the ligamentous attachments. These injuries usually occur when players make a cut or shift in direction suddenly . It can also occur from a direct impact such as when a football player plants his foot to tackle an opposing player head on. While there are several different types of Lisfranc's injuries ranging from sprains to dislocations to fractures, injuries to this area can have a lingering effect if not completely healed. Several athletes have suffered from Lisfrancs injuries including Larry Johnson of the Kansas City Chiefs, Dwight Freeney of the Indianapolis Colts and Kevin Jones of the Detroit Lions.

Lisfranc injuries are usually very painful and patients are usually unable to walk or bear weight on the affected foot. The imjury is also accompanied by swelling, bruising and diminished range of motion to the foot and toes. They are diagnosed initially by physical examination while taking into account the patient's description of the injury, but a more accurate assessment is done by MRI, CT, Xray or all three.

Treatment consists primarily of restoring normal anatomy whether it be through cast immobilization or surgery. Following the surgery, physical therapy is done to strengthen the foot, reduce swelling and get the patient used to using the foot again. Once the injury is resolved, an orthotic is then used to support and maintain the anatomic alignment. These injuries can be serious and career threatening for elite athletes if they are not treated appropriately. If anatomic alignment is not properly restored, these injuries can become chronic and severely limit a patient's ability to walk normally, let alone compete at a high level in professional sports.

If you suspect you have sustained a Lisfrancs injury, consult your local podiatrist for a thorough exam and treatment plan. Delaying or avoiding treatment can have serious detrimental effects on the function of your foot.