1/18/2018: My knee is annoying me

Today, a weather warning was actually issued, but the sky is only overcast and even clears up from time to time. Perfect to visit the Brook Sanctuary, right? No! As if a crab-red belly covered with blisters wasn't enough, since yesterday afternoon my right knee has been bothering me. I can't straighten it, bend it, or walk properly without pain, not to mention climbing stairs. A sharp stabbing pain makes me flinch every time. It's probably payback for my jogging sessions on the Pillar Point Lighthouse Track. So my first stop is the pharmacy, where I stock up on Voltaren painkillers and arnica ointment. However, just 20 minutes later, I'm fed up with the increasingly worsening pain and follow the pharmacist's advice to seek physiotherapy. In the practice, I feel a bit like a private patient. I get an appointment for 2pm right away, and the colleague even reschedules her lunch break for that. There's only enough time for a quick lunch at the hostel, then I have to go again.

Like the pharmacist earlier, the young therapist also notes that my knee is slightly swollen. I didn't even notice that myself. After some mobility tests and palpation, she says that my meniscus is probably injured and that it can take 3-4 weeks to heal. Wonderful... She shows me some exercises to do, applies tape, and gives me a note for my health insurance. I only have to pay half of the 70 NZD because the New Zealand government apparently has a health program for tourists and covers the other part.

Once the formalities are done, I stop by the hairdresser's to trim my bangs before heading back to the hostel for some knee rest after a short detour to the library. You might think there's plenty of time for the blog, but I'm approached by a freshly arrived American in New Zealand and then by a German who prefers to speak English, and after these extensive conversations, it's time for bed again.