Matt Schaub, quarterback for the Houston Texans, has suffered a Lisfranc injury and is facing the possibility of being out for the rest of the season. A Lisfranc injury…like a hot dog? No, he didn’t suffer from hot dog poisoning, although you never really know what’s in those things. The name actually stems from the French doctor who first described this injury. Schaub suffered a painful fracture of his midfoot that could cause him to sit sidelined for the rest of the season.

A Lisfranc injury can come in different forms or be a mix of complex injuries in the foot. A Lisfranc injury could be a sprain, fracture or dislocation of the area in the middle of the foot including bones and ligaments. The Lisfranc joint is responsible for connecting the metatarsal bones and the tarsal bones.

This joint helps to support the foot by transferring the weight of a step from the heel to the padded forefoot. Although this condition is extremely rare, once you have a Lisfranc injury the recovery can be quite a battle. To determine the difference between a Lisfranc injury and a sprain check the following symptoms. Usually the top of the foot will be swollen and painful, and there could be noticeable bruising. Depending on the severity of the injury, the foot may not be able to handle any weight or pressure.

The treatment for a Lisfranc injury can include the following. First, it is recommended to try the RICE technique (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) to reduce swelling and bruising. If the pain persists you will need to see a podiatrist, who is specially trained to handle serious foot injuries. The doctor will need to take X-rays and possibly get an MRI of the foot to determine the status of the bones and make sure none are broken. In addition, a Lisfranc dislocation, where the joints are not aligned, has to be assessed. Then a person will be wearing a cast, non weight bearing for up to a few months. In the worst case scenarios the injury could require surgery for proper healing.

Although the injury is rare, once you have experienced a Lisfranc injury, your foot may be susceptible for further damage. For example, mobility would be a great concern, especially for an athlete. In addition, arthritis is common in those who have had this injury which could lead to less mobility. Aches, pains, and stiffness are also amongst the top complaints of Lisfranc injury sufferers.

The future of Matt Schaub’s season and career are yet to be determined. Sources connected with the athlete are trying to stay positive as the Texan’s quarterback travels from state to state gathering specialist’s opinions on the damage. Although Schaub is concerned to help his team and get back in the game, not treating the condition properly could lead to more serious problems down the road.