I might be having quite an impressive recovery after all...
Had a doctor's appointment yesterday for the left leg. I've actually walking around (with a noticeable limp still) the house and a bit outside in my character shoes (for dance) with 2" heels (The heels help by shortening the calf artificially and not allowing the full stretch at the Achille's tendon when I walk.). No crutches any more. Anywhoo, the doc thought I'm gaining my strength back better than he projected for me. Now he thinks that I'm going to get a lot of the use (downward push of the big toe) back after all.
It seems like this injury is following the usual scenario for me, which goes like this. I get hurt. My whole system freaks out for a few days and everything is out of order for 72 hours or so. Then things settle down and start to recover and repair damage faster than general population. And if I could keep myself from doing unnecessary damage by trying to push too much too soon, my body usually doesn't take a step back in the process. I've been told of this on multiple occasions and it has been my observation, too.
The foot and ankle are still swollen and unsightly, but I'm able to "walk" on my own, which makes me very happy. I still avoid crowds if I can help it at all, since I can't trust my ankle to hold if I get bumped into by someone.
I think all the doodles and manga I splurged on have been good for the soul while my body repairs this damage. With the Christmas break and all, I didn't have to miss too much work, either. So, all things considered, the timing wasn't all that bad. Amazing what 3 & 1/2 weeks will do mentally. Of course, getting paid (finally! in a nice big chunk!) for all the Nutcracker work doesn't hurt.