Everyone has experienced aches and pains at one time or another. These PAINS could be an annoying strains or sprains that prevent us from participating in activities we enjoy. It could be that you twisted your ankle when you tripped over a mountain of pizza boxes during the relay. Perhaps you pulled your quadriceps muscle because you forgot to warm-up before the big race. Then again, it might be that like me, you have angered your knee by repeatedly bending down.
The manner in which your injury occurred is irrelevant. What matters is that you recognize pain as a warning sign from your body indicating that something is wrong! So STOP what you are doing! If a specific part of your body is hurting, then make every effort to avoid using it and then tell an adult. They will be able to determine what course of action needs to be taken.
R.I.C.E. is a helpful acronym dealing with basic first aide principles for taking care of your strain or sprain.
· Rest in injured body part.
· Ice your injury for 15 minutes. It will decrease swelling and pain.
· Compression using an Ace bandage will also help control swelling and pain.
· Elevate, or raise, the injured body part above your heart.
When I hurt my knee I was not able to do many of the things I enjoy like playing golf, coming to school to teach P.E. or going on a peaceful walk with my dog. My Doctor advised me to follow the R.I.C.E. formula. I really DID NOT enjoy the rest part, but I knew it was a critical component of my recovery. So I did my best to comply with the doctor’s orders. In an effort to avoid becoming bummed, I relied on hobbies that were less active. For instance, I read books and wrote in my journal. Have you ever experienced a sprain, strain or other injury that sidelined you from your favorite sports or activities? What did you do to help your injury heal? What did you do to pass the time when you couldn’t play? 
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Posted by: Tina | February 06, 2006 at 10:58 AM