After the trail maintenance work on Saturday, my right foot was very sore from walking fast, trying to keep up with the group, through the Las Conchas Canyon drainage. All day Sunday, which included a short shopping trip to Santa Fe, my foot felt fine. When I went out to walk Sunday evening, I walked once to the airport and back and my foot still felt OK. Then I walked to downtown, crossing the lawn of the old Canyon School. That somehow set off the pain again and I limped through the rest of the walk.
This morning, I called Medical Associates and made a 10:30am appointment to see Dr. Daly because Dr. Church was not available. Dr. Daly said to try a walking boot which went all the way up to my calf and immobilized my entire lower leg but that didn't help the heel pain (nor was it helped when Dr. Daly pressed hard on my heel spur and I yelped!). Then we tried a low-cut shoe (I don't know the technical names for these rehabilitative devices) but that was no more comfortable on my heel than the walking boot. I talked briefly with Dr. Church and he said that Dr. Miller specializes in my problem. I called Dr. Miller's office to ask about coming in before the 23rd but no one has called me back.
I'm left in limbo. I have to wait 2 weeks for the Dr. Miller appointment and, in the meantime, haven't the foggiest idea of what I can wear on my right foot that would help me to walk normally. I went to FR181 and only walked 2 miles, very slowly. I'll try doing 2 more miles tonight, back and forth to the airport as that didn't bother me last night. Dr. Church suggested only walking on completely flat surfaces like the high school track. The airport walk is very flat. Tomorrow, I may investigate a temporary membership at the YMCA or the LA Fitness Center so I can get some decent non-weight bearing exercise. I felt like an arthritic old lady on my limping walk last night. I am quite frustrated by this foot problem of 9 months duration. How in the world am I going to enjoy the upcoming hiking vacation in Rocky Mountain National Park when walking is painful!