I have been running for 40 years and trail running for 20 and hiking and gym and blah, blah, blah. A few years ago I was running and stepped on a pine cone, fell off and tore all the ligaments in my ankle. I went to my doctor, had x-rays and then sent me straight to physio. My kids still tease me about falling off of a pine cone. This is not the only time I have sprained an ankle. I'm coming off of a slight sprain right now from doing ladder work in the gym and then going straight into high knees over low hurdles. I screwed up the transition and went over on my foot. Went straight to my physio and he started the healing process for me. At the very least I would go to a physio if you have one. Only go to one that you trust. They can quicken the healing and give you strengthening exercises for the foot and ankle. If you don't have one then you could go to your doctor. I wouldn't bother with an Ace bandage but rather would get a small soft brace which are available at drug stores. They go under the foot and around the ankle, are velcroed and provide really good support. Wear it when you first go back into the trails and if you have walking poles or can borrow some do so for the first few times as well. Good luck - this really is a pain in the butt.

Just arrived in Porto - sightseeing the next couple of days. DH presents at a conference Saturday morning, then home on Sunday. And you?

As someone who has done at least one long distance walk each year (500+ miles) the last few years with only two small blisters, I can offer what I do. I use Omnifix tape everywhere that I think that I might get a blister. This tape is thin and flexible and conforms to the shape of the foot better than something like moleskin. It stays on well, but also removes easily without leaving a lot of sticky residue. The rubbing occurs on the tape, not on my skin. The two times that I got blisters on the side of my toe were on days that I neglected to tape my toes. I tend to blister on the balls of my feet. I feel like the strip of tape that I put there is an insurance policy against blisters. Lots of people who regularly do long hikes on weekends are surprised to find out that their regular blister prevention strategies aren't working when they walk long distances day after day. It's really important to listen to your feet. Every time you stop to take a break check on them. Take off shoes and socks and see if there are any areas where a blister is about to form. If your socks are sweaty, change into dry socks. If you feel a hot spot on your foot immediately stop and attend to it by applying tape. Other blister prevention strategies that work for people are wearing a liner sock under regular socks - even ankle high nylons can work for this. You can also apply Vaseline all over your feet before putting on shoes and socks, and reapplying when you take breaks. There are also anti-friction products like Foot Glide that can help prevent blisters. There is an Australian podiatrist who has an excellent blister prevention and care website.

My walking has gone really well. I found an article that was very encouraging about walking even just one mile a day. I have managed to do 1 1/4 mile up to 1 1/2 and I realized in my walk this morning that my speed was definitely up. That wasn't a goal I set but it's a nice reflection that the repeated activity is causing some change. I really want walking poles - time to quit procrastinating. I usually take my dog with me, and she's leashed on part of it, but I could do a short walk using the poles without her and increase my distances that way. I think the regular walking is helping my mood, too. I've been willing to sit with the grief but I just feel a bit less burdened, if that makes sense. Bunny! You are an inspiration. I mean that. Legomom, congrats! Just realized I had skipped over your post. That is amazing! I have a pulmonary function test on Friday. My GP had scheduled it in May when he apparently didn't realize my coughing etc had a bacterial component. (The coughing disappeared with my tick bite antibiotics, ha ha.) I'm going to go through with it to make sure any shortness of breath is just normal stuff.