I just found out I have a stress fracture of the foot and I’m leaving for an aggressive 10 day tour of Italy.
I am so concerned about this fracture. I’m in a boot
Will I be able to navigate and do the walking tours (Rome coliseum and Vatican in one day - two tours)
I’m leaving on the 14th of September
Should I cancel? Will this be very hard? Please! I need advice.
Thanks
Consult your physician. How on earth can anyone on this board answer your heartfelt questions?
I also advise that you do some research on flying with a foot fracture boot.
When you say "aggressive 10-day tour" does that mean you're committed to traveling with a group that will do a lot of walking for the entire 10 days? It's a bit unclear because you mention in a later sentence that you're taking two tours (coliseum and Vatican) in one day.
What kind of trip cancellation insurance do you have? What does your doctor say about putting weight on your foot 2-3 weeks from now? Will you be traveling with a friend or family member who could help you with some of the challenges?
You probably already know that seeing historic places in Europe often involves a lot of climbing steep stairs and walking on cobblestones. This can be challenging for anyone not used to it, let alone with an injured foot.
Listen to your doctor and no one else.
Does your doctor know about this trip? Ask him/her what they recommend and don't forget to ask about flying. If you are thinking about going, do your best to follow all your instructions and stay off it as much as possible in the next two weeks. Do you have trip insurance? That might also influence your decision.
If you do decide to go - think about your footwear. I was once on a business trip with someone who was in a boot for a stress fx in his foot. He had a rubber lift thing that strapped on to his good foot to even up the height differential between the boot and the good side. Otherwise if you are doing a lot of walking you could mess up something on the good side (hip, knee, etc.) from compensating. I think it was called a step-up or something like that. Maybe a thicker soled shoe could give you the same effect.
I've never had a stress fx in my foot but have had two tibial ones. Knowing how much walking I typically do on a European trip I would probably consider cancelling or at least seriously modify your expectations.
If you are in a boot and unable to support your weight easily ; I would cancel
I went to Rome a few years back 3 months after breaking my lower leg. By the time of the trip I was healed and walking normally without support but had PT up until the week of the trip.
Still the amount of walking I was not used to and my lower leg, angle and foot swelled so badly starting on the airplane flight and never let up.
Ended up having to buy a pair of sandals in Rome to walk in as I could not tie any of the shoes I brought with me.
I suspect my injury was more serious but was also much further along in the recovery process than it sounds like you are.
I was glad I still went and managed by just walking less than I otherwise would but felt if the trip was a couple of weeks sooner I could not / should not have gone. Also, I was not on any tours or with a group ; afraid if I was I would have held them up or hurt myself keeping up with the pace.
