It developed so suddenly and with purple dots, a hard knot under the skin. I was working in the yard in a raised flower bed, my foot caught the edge of the block wall and I knew immediately I was going down so I sort of launched my body towards the grassy side instead of the brick side. I had a narrow trowel in my pocket, handle side in, wondering if that is what hit my leg. The first thought after I was down was, well this grass is sure nice and soft...am I alive?? LOL 😜😉😄 Next thought was shoot I'm getting old and not so coordinated!!! Klutz!! Oh boy! I can already tell... tomorrow's going to be rough! Aches and pains, stiffness all over my body already. Bummed!! Do you guys think a cool bath would help? Or what are your favorite home remedies? Is it concerning enough to go to a nearby quick care clinic?? I think not...but wondering.
As soon as possible after an injury, such as a knee or ankle sprain, you can relieve pain and swelling and promote healing and flexibility with RICE-Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Rest. Rest and protect the injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
Ice. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat to the area that hurts. Do not apply ice or heat directly to the skin. Place a towel over the cold or heat pack before applying it to the skin.
Compression. Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, because this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.
Elevation. Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help relieve your pain and swelling. They include:
Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin.
Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn.
Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
When your soreness and pain are gone, begin stretching and strengthening exercises slowly, then gradually increase these exercises.