If you’re planning a Mother’s Day picnic, but you’re hobbling around on a sore foot or ankle, make sure that besides the sandwiches and watermelon, you include a heaping helping of RICE! RICE therapy is a universal treatment method used to heal an injury. It stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and if you go through this cycle pre-Mother’s Day celebration, you’ll be skipping with your picnic basket in no time!
Rest – stay off your feet as much as possible and take a break from your activities. That way your injury will have the time it needs to heal.
Ice – to ease pain and reduce inflammation, ice your injury in 20 minute increments (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) and be sure not to apply ice directly to your skin.
Compression – this also helps with keeping swelling to a minimum. Wrap your foot or ankle with an elastic bandage, snug but not too tight.
Elevation – while taking your rest time and icing, prop your injured foot up on a bunch of pillows so it is above heart level. This will help to control inflammation.
Follow this tried and true method and you should be feeling fine in time to spread your blanket and have that picnic after all. If you need further help, just let us know. You can contact us online or simply give our Palm Desert, CA office a call at (760) 568-0108. Whether you sprained your ankle, irritated your Achilles, or hurt your toe, remember to serve yourself up some RICE and give us a call.
Sure, moms are always there to make you feel better when you get hurt – but, don’t forget, so are we!
