So, after months of training with a heavy pack in the NH hills, I've been hiking the last few days unburdened in flat Florida just doing easy 10 mile stretches. The outside arch of my foot started with a dull ache and promptly grew to actual pain. I'm self diagnosing a micro fracture in/on the metatarsal at the moment. I'll go see a foot doctor when I get back home in a few days. Just icing/elevating currently.
I've read that initial x rays don't show micro fractures, but later x rays do show them, after the healing starts. Anyone have any experience with this type of injury? Advice for what to expect, how to deal with the doctor to save money/be efficient? What kind of exercises I can can continue to do without stressing the foot?