Sometimes RICE is what is needed and it sucks!

Injury? Ankle injury! Not fun. I had hardly got back into running after the baby and the ankle injury stuck me. I started running after 3 months of having our little boy and in the 4th month, while I had already reached 9-mile distance, I twisted my ankle. The ankle got swollen and I could barely walk. I have to admit that it was all my fault. Even when it was hurting, I kept running and I crossed that fine line between normal pain/cramps and injury:-( I had been feeling the pain but I kept ignoring it, thinking it is because I have got back into distance running after a long time. After that 9-mile run, I made it worse and had to sit back for a few weeks.

I had to follow the advise of my doctor - Dr. Shavi ;-) whom I trust so well, especially when it comes to running. I was advised not to run, ice it like crazy, elevate it, compress it and have ibuprofen to reduce inflammation. It took long 3 weeks of no running and RICE (Rest, Icing, Compression and Elevation) before the swelling reduced. It is frustrating but you got to take care if you do not want permanent damage. I tried everything and the healing process was slow but it was working. I even tried crepe bandage and anti-inflammatory ointments. I started running in the 4th week, wearing ankle strap. Ankle strap is a great thing - it holds on to the ankle muscles and doesn't let it move much. The pain is still there but it is getting better. I have been doing slow 4-5 miles every other day and it feels better every day. The bad thing about injuries and rest is that you have to start all over again. Training for my first half marathon after pregnancy is fun and I am loving it. Go away ankle pain!

Lessons learned: Do not ignore pains. If injured, follow RICE and have ibuprofen. Take it slow and easy once the pain is getting better and use straps like ankle straps etc.