Bump

March 9, 2010 Perth – Cottesloe

Trip Day 31

The foot hasn't gotten better. Since first pulling up lame in Sydney a week and a half ago, I've been taking it easy and waiting for it to offer me a sign that it was going to go back to being a useful but mostly ignored appendage. One that would carry me wherever I asked it to and only talk back as part of the achy chorus of sore muscles after a day's hike.

It's got ideas of its own, so today I got some help. Ted found a nearby physical therapist practice with an early morning appointment slot, and at 8.30 I met a bloke called a 'physio' around here. He took a good oral history from me, listening and taking notes the whole time; then did an exam and began to isolate the problem area. His concern was whether it was a stress fracture or a 'stress reaction,' a precursor to a fracture. As it happened, a sports medicine doctor is in the building and works closely with these physical therapists. My guy wanted his opinion and, frankly, I did, too. A young doc showed up soon, got the story (which told me how closely the physio had been listening) and did his own evaluation. They both concluded it wasn't a fracture but an injury to the fourth metatarsal joint. He offered me three choices: rest, a cortisone shot or further evaluation (xrays and more consults). Given that I'm out of here in a few days with physical activity on the agenda, I opted for the 'quick fix.' I got the shot and was on my way.

I also got a lesson in lacing my running shoes so as to relieve the pressure on the injury, and left the office feeling as though I'd gotten my money's worth. In the space of about an hour I'd been seen, evaluated, diagnosed and treated. I paid cash for the session, totaling $255AU. The deal with my insurance is to pay then seek reimbursement. More fun for when I return.

For the greater part of the day my foot has felt better, but at the moment I can't say that. It's barking and I'm wondering if I shouldn't have had them both look for more areas of trouble. The cortisone hasn't had time to work its magic, though, so I'll be patient. Should things not be looking better by Thursday afternoon I'll call them again and see about a follow-up on Friday.