Concerns Regarding Potential Lisfranc Injury
A 16-year-old male, who stands at 6 feet tall and weighs 150 pounds, sustained an injury to his left foot after falling while running two days ago. Following the incident, I took him to see a foot and ankle specialist, who conducted X-rays and expressed concerns about a possible Lisfranc injury, based on the imaging results as well as his physical examination. At this moment, my son has been placed in a CAM walker boot and an MRI has been arranged for Thursday. In light of this situation, I have some queries and apprehensions: 1) **Non-Weight Bearing vs. CAM Walker**: From my findings, it seems that even minor Lisfranc injuries generally necessitate a period of non-weight bearing for several weeks. I am apprehensive that allowing him to walk in the boot might exacerbate the condition, should this indeed be a Lisfranc injury. Is it reasonable for me to be worried about this? 2) **Timely Consultation with the Right Specialist**: I’ve come across information stating that specialized orthopedic surgeons who focus on foot and ankle injuries are best suited to manage Lisfranc injuries. Although I managed to secure an appointment with a pediatric orthopedic foot and ankle specialist, it’s set for two weeks from now, which is the soonest available slot. Should the MRI results confirm the injury, are there steps I should take or points to raise in order to expedite my son’s referral? I’ve also read that if surgery is required, it’s optimal to perform it within two to three weeks following the injury. 3) **Next Steps**: While we await the MRI appointment and consultation with the orthopedic specialist, are there additional measures I should consider or precautions I should take? Thank you in advance for any advice or insights you may offer; it is truly appreciated!
Answers (1)
6/18/2025, 3:40:51 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm glad you reached out with your concerns regarding your son's potential Lisfranc injury. It's understandable to feel anxious about this situation, especially considering how important proper healing is for such an injury. Let's break down your queries and provide some clear guidance.
Main Points
- Weight Bearing Concerns: It's reasonable to be cautious about weight bearing with a suspected Lisfranc injury.
- Specialist Consultation: Expediting care can be crucial if surgery is indicated.
- Precautionary Measures: Taking appropriate steps now can help manage your son's condition as you await further evaluation.
Explanation
A Lisfranc injury involves the complex structure of the midfoot and can range from a simple sprain to fractures and ligament tears. It's critical to manage this type of injury appropriately to avoid complications.
-
Non-Weight Bearing vs. CAM Walker: With a suspected Lisfranc injury, the general recommendation is indeed to limit weight bearing on the injured foot. If your son is in a CAM walker boot, it is designed to provide some support while still allowing for a degree of mobility, but walking in it should still be minimized. It is normal to be worried about potential exacerbation of the injury; the safest approach is to keep him as non-weight bearing as possible until the MRI results clarify the extent of the injury.
-
Specialist Consultation: You're correct that seeing an orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle injuries is key for potential Lisfranc injuries. If MRI results confirm an injury, and you feel that waiting two weeks for the specialist is too long, here are steps you can take to potentially expedite the process:
- Communicate Urgency: When you receive the MRI results, call the specialist’s office and express your concern about the possible need for surgery based on the findings and the recommended timeline for treatment. Having the MRI results readily available may help streamline the discussion.
- Request Early Appointment: Ask if there is a cancellation list or express that you’d appreciate any sooner openings for an appointment.
-
Next Steps:
- Rest: Emphasize strict rest for the foot until further diagnosis is made.
- Ice and Elevation: This can help reduce swelling during the waiting period. Elevate the foot above heart level when possible and apply ice for 15-20 minutes a few times a day.
- Pain Management: If your son is experiencing pain, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen, if not contraindicated) can help manage discomfort.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close eye on any worsening symptoms such as increased swelling, pain, or discoloration, which should prompt immediate medical attention.
During this time, it’s essential to stay calm, as early intervention can significantly impact recovery outcomes. You're doing the right thing by seeking information and being proactive about your son's health. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out again.
Related Questions
Lower Lip Abscess in a Young Child
My four-year-old is dealing with a lower lip abscess. What began as a small crater on his lip last Sunday rapidly progressed to a pus-filled lesion by Monday night. By Wednesday evening, we managed to see a pediatrician who admitted him for intravenous antibiotic therapy. Since being hospitalized on Wednesday night, he has been receiving Sulvacil through an IV. A general surgeon evaluated him yesterday but chose not to perform an incision for drainage, stating that managing a lip wound would be quite challenging at his age. Currently, I'm feeling uncertain about the progress of his condition, as the abscess appears to still contain pus. It seems to swell and then reduce in size only to fill up again. Despite this, my child remains lively and has a good appetite, though he does experience discomfort when trying to chew. I’m left wondering if we are observing any tangible improvement, or if it might still be too soon to judge the situation?
Calf Muscle Spasms After Protests
Recently, I took part in a school protest that lasted around four hours. Afterward, on my way home, I experienced a leg cramp that lasted for about ten minutes. Initially, I brushed it off, thinking it was just muscle soreness, which I figured was a normal response. Fast forward to two days later, my calf muscle feels completely stiff, making it almost impossible for me to bend my leg properly. I can barely walk without having to stand on my toes. My calf seems unusually hot, quite hard, and has been twitching frequently. Should I be concerned, or is this something that could resolve on its own? I'm feeling anxious about it. Just for context, I'm a 17-year-old female, and I don't take any medications. I doubt hydration is an issue since I drink plenty of water. While I'm not the most athletic individual, I do walk around quite a bit in my city.
Persistent Vomiting and Confounding Endoscopy Findings
I'm struggling to articulate my situation adequately, but I'll share everything and hope not to overlook any details. I'm 16 years old, standing at 5 feet 7 inches tall, and weighing 140 pounds. My blood tests have returned normal results, although I do have slightly low vitamin D levels, and my stool samples have come back clear. My current medication regimen includes 30 mg of Vyvanse, 20 mg of propranolol taken twice daily, 300 mg of gabapentin at night and 150 mg in the morning, and I recently began taking 25 mg of amitriptyline a week ago. Since I was about four or five, I’ve experienced unusual digestive issues, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, constipation, and acid reflux, with the most alarming symptom being unexplained vomiting. Daily abdominal cramps and constipation are common for me, and surprisingly, these symptoms don’t seem to be influenced by my diet or activities. Around the age of five, I started to vomit inexplicably, particularly during times of excitement like the Super Bowl, birthday celebrations, or, most notably, vacations. When I turned 12, my condition worsened significantly after contracting COVID-19. I started experiencing dry heaves or vomiting almost every morning, which led to frequent school absences, severe migraines concentrated mostly on the left side of my forehead, and worsening stomach troubles. Living in Washington, I consulted numerous specialists at Swedish, including both an allergist and a gastroenterologist. The allergist suspected mast cell disease and prescribed Cromolyn, which unfortunately did not provide any relief. The gastroenterologist suggested that I had an issue related to my "lizard brain" and advised me to “find a hobby.” I also visited a cardiologist due to low blood pressure, where I was diagnosed with neurocardiogenic syncope. Recently, I convinced my general practitioner to refer me to a children’s hospital, where I underwent an endoscopy. To my surprise, the procedure revealed food remnants in my stomach despite having fasted for over 11 hours beforehand. Both the anesthesiologist and gastroenterologist expressed some skepticism regarding my fasting claim. I'm reaching out in search of any recommendations or insights. This ongoing illness has reached a point of frustration for me, and I desperately want to uncover its cause. The gastroenterologist who performed the endoscopy mentioned a possible gut-brain disorder, but this diagnosis is still quite vague. I am preparing for my next consultation and would appreciate any feedback. We have suspect cyclic vomiting syndrome for a while, but now I’m starting to wonder about gastroparesis as well. Honestly, I feel like this situation may have turned me into somewhat of a hypochondriac.
Understanding a Nodular Finding on My Appendix: Seeking Clarity
I'm a 22-year-old female, standing 4'9", with a background of EDS and anxiety. Recently, on January 30, 2026, I visited the emergency department due to kidney discomfort, which turned out to be a kidney stone. While reviewing my CT scan report to recall the size and location of the stone—still lodged and proving quite troublesome—I stumbled upon a mention of a nodular area on my appendix. This detail was not brought up by my doctor during my visit. Although I suspect it may not signal a serious issue, I'm curious if this is something I should discuss further with my primary care physician. Can anyone clarify what a nodular finding on the appendix means? I came across some information suggesting it could indicate a tumor, but I’m aware that online medical searches can often lead to misunderstandings. Any insights would be appreciated!
Dealing with Esophageal Cramping and Heartburn while on Oral Minoxidil
Hello everyone. I’m a 37-year-old male who frequently experiences alopecia areata, particularly during stressful periods at work. Recently, my dermatologist recommended oral minoxidil in 2.5mg capsules to speed up my hair restoration process. Since I began this treatment, I’ve encountered several side effects, including elevated heart rate, dizziness, shortness of breath, heartburn, and esophageal cramps, albeit not all at once. Most of these issues have subsided, but the cramps and intermittent heartburn persist. I find the cramps tend to occur after meals, accompanied by a sensation as if I can feel the food moving through my esophagus; this uncomfortable feeling can linger for hours before fading, only to return with my next meal. The discomfort isn’t severe enough to incapacitate me, but it can be quite bothersome, with some days being better than others. Should I consider halting the medication, or should I wait until my next scheduled appointment to discuss this? I live in a rural area, making it difficult to find sooner availability, as the next appointment isn’t for another month. I appreciate any advice you might have!