It’s exactly six months today since I injured my left foot on 26 January in a canyon at the Blue Mountains. Thankfully, I’m now walking again and I’ve even started climbing. But I had to buy a new pair of climbing shoes as my still swollen foot cannot fit into my old pair (climbing shoes are meant to be a size down anyways).

It’s become hard to do exercises like a full push-up as my left foot isn’t able to flex as it used to in order to support the length of my body.

I’m walking more slowly and sometimes there’s a slight limp in my gait once my foot gets tired. Going down stairs also involves awkward and tentative placement of the left foot if I lead with it. Overuse of my right leg to compensate for my left side has also resulted in more pain in my right knee as I’m walking down.

However two weeks ago I managed to lead a walk with the bushwalking club I’m a member of, though I did sell it as a relaxed pace one! Pain in my foot comes and goes, and I can feel the plate when I’m using the foot more.

I’m going for my next check-up with my surgeon in two weeks. One thing I haven’t done yet is jog/run; it’s something I’m still scared to do. I haven’t regained the balance and strength in my foot – this requires some more practice standing on one foot.

Anyhow, while I’ve had to make adjustments to some aspects of my exercise routine, the recovery is progressing well.