today's news

i think i have a stress fracture in my right foot.

as everyone knows, i've been doing a HUGE amount of walking lately and, during my lunch-hour walk to procure hot docs press materials and celebratory cupcakes, i started having sharp pain on the topside of my foot. i'd noticed similar pain (though much milder) when i *began* my epic walk with val on sunday. at the time, though, i thought it was because i'd laced my running shoes too tightly -- as soon as i loosened the laces, the pain went away.

today, the pain was more pronounced. it came and went, and was better later in the afternoon. but it returned (milder) when i walked home from the subway.

and, when i took of my socks, i noticed a red welt where the pain was. as if someone had pelted me there with a golf ball. it was definitely swollen. uh oh. (looking at the above photo, the pain and swelling are where the cuboid bone meets the cunieforms.)

googling "stress facture foot symptoms" revealed my subtle goose egg + the pain = the classic signs of a hairline metatarsal fracture.

treatment, per everyone from webMD to the mayo clinic to umpteen running sites?

go to the doctor immediately.

get a bone scan (because X-rays usually can't pick up these fractures).

STAY OFF YOUR FEET.

wear a foam walking boot or use crutches if you must walk.

healing takes four to six weeks, during which time you should avoid putting any weight or pressure on the foot.

WHAT?!

this, on the eve of hot docs, where i will not only be walking from venue to venue, but standing in line for long stretches of time.

and one week before florida, and its morning/evening beach walks.

as i type this, i have my foot elevated. i will put an ice pack on shortly. in the morning, i will likely have to call dr. textbook's office to see if i can get a last-minute appointment.

i really hope i'm wrong about my foot.