Easy Management Of Minor Sports Injuries

Image via WikipediaJoining sports activities is a lot of fun. Also, getting involved in these activities is good for your health. But in any sport, accidents could happen and can cause all kinds of injuries like sprains on the foot that can cause mild to severe heel pain or foot pain.

Though this is a common occurrence in any type of activity, this could be easily managed. A lot of trainers who almost always encounter this medical condition recommend rest, ice, compression and elevation method or more commonly known as the R.I.C.E. method.

Rest is first. Giving the affected foot some rest will promote healing. Allowing the foot to rest for two days is enough time for it to recover from minor injuries. Of course, the length of time differs from the severity of injury but a couple days are enough for most injuries.

Remember not to use any pain killers during this period. Healing is only successful if the foot is not used for a given time. Also, the occurrence of pain is the basis for how long you should rest the foot. Pain killers temporarily remove the pain and tempt you to use your foot.

Ice packs signigicantly reduce inflammation and pain. Exposing the affected area with cold stimuli can numb the area, reducing pain drastically. It also can cause vasoconstriction; therefore, reducing accumulation of fluids that can cause swelling.

Compression is also a good way to immobilize the foot and also helps control swelling.

Elevating the foot also helps prevent swelling because it assists in venous return to the heart, preventing any fluid accumulation to the foot.

The RICE is the initial management in reducing pain and swelling. For persistent heel pain, consult your podiatrist.