Immobilized

A few months ago I wrote about the bursitis in my right foot. The steroid shot appeared to eliminate the inflammation but a few months later the pain returned and my options are shrinking. Apparently another shot runs the risk of weakening my tendon which is something I’d like to avoid.

The picture above is the current phase of treatment: immobilization. The Aircast boot locks my foot from moving which should help the bursa sac eventually heal. The boot is hot, clumsy, and generally annoying but I’m trying to stick with it.

Along with the boot, the doctor advised me to take ibuprofen three times a day to raise the level of anti-inflammatory agents in my system. I assume that doctors know best but everyone I talk to seems concerned with my liver. I’d research this on Web MD but that site scares me.

I haven’t been wearing the boot as often as I should and I keep forgetting to take my Advil but I think it’s healing. It may take another month or two but I may be able to visit the zoo or museum this summer without waking up in pain the next day.

Will I run again this year? Highly unlikely and that makes me very sad. Instead, I’m going to substitute my bicycle for running and see how that goes. I don’t find biking quite as satisfying but it will have to do.

Here’s to hoping I can run again in 2014.