My foot had been getting worse and the hobbling around was getting pretty old, so I made an appointment with a podiatrist.
I was almost back to normal before my appointment rolled around, but an aggressive swim put me back to “okay, this is bad” and I kept my appointment.
The nurse had me fill out the stupid and pointless paperwork, then collected my co-pay, and from there it was to the exam room where I took off my shoes and socks.
She collected my symptoms, then checked in with the doctor who wanted an x-ray. I had to stand on a platform and get irradiated, then it was back to the exam room to fold some paper (naturally) and wait for the doctor.
When he arrived he had good news for me – no fracture. Once he started to manipulate my foot, the diagnosis came pretty quickly:
Capsulitis of the Second Toe
Which means that the ligaments and tendons around my toe are inflamed. It gets a little better when I don’t bend my foot – and much worse when I do. Apparently, not that uncommon for this particular toe since it’s the longest one and moves the most.
He taught me how to wrap the toe in a particular way and called in a prescription. In about a month or so – if it’s not much better – then it’s a cortisone shot and a boot. I hobbled my way out of the office, hurting worse with the manipulation and the tape, and I was on my way.
I looked it up today and okay, wow, this could get much worse. If left untreated, the tissues could degrade and permanently dislocate my toe unless I get surgery.
https://www.acfas.org/Content.aspx?id=1482
Also, I might have stolen some tape from the doctor. As he was getting ready to leave I think he said I could keep the roll of tape and left it on the counter. I finished putting my shoes on and pocketed the tape – but since he didn’t hand it to me, now I’m wondering if I heard him right.
It’s good tape, incidentally. And I’m going to use all of it.
So, we’ll see how this goes.