Treat Everyday Aches and Pains Like a Marathon Runner

Every year, hundreds of thousands of runners of all backgrounds, training regimens and fitness levels prepare for and run long-distance races, from 5Ks to marathons. Some finish with ease. Some never finish at all. But one thing is true of nearly all of them—they often feel some serious aches and pains in their muscles and joints.

But you don't have to compete in a marathon to put stress on your feet, legs and joints. Sometimes just walking around the office each day is enough to bring on nagging pains from head to toe.

Whether you’re a committed runner or not, you shouldn’t treat your injuries with anything less than top-notch care. For pain relief, injury treatment, and joint and muscle care, there is a world of options at your disposal—and many of them are HSA eligible!

The RICE method

The RICE method is a commonly used approach for muscle recovery and pain relief. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Each component of the RICE method plays a specific role in promoting healing and reducing discomfort. Here's a breakdown of each step:

Rest: Rest is crucial for allowing your muscles to recover and heal properly. It involves avoiding activities or exercises that may worsen the injury or strain. By giving your muscles adequate rest, you allow them to repair and regenerate, which can speed up the recovery process.
Tip: You may want to incorporate a relaxing, non-drug pain reliever into your resting period, like Epsom salt. You can add it to bath water to soothe tired, achy muscles and sore feet, and for general pain relief.
Try: Kanjo Epsom Salt
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area helps reduce inflammation and pain. Ice constricts blood vessels, which helps minimize swelling and the associated discomfort. It also numbs the area, providing temporary relief from pain. Use an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth and apply it to the affected area for around 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially in the initial stages of injury.
Tip: You may want to try a more advanced cold delivery pain relief system, applying concentrated cold specifically to a target area.
Try: Caring Mill® Icy Gel Cold Pack with Holster
Compression: Compression involves applying gentle pressure to the injured area using an elastic bandage, brace, or compression garment. Compression helps reduce swelling by preventing fluid accumulation in the injured tissues. It also provides support to the affected muscles or joints, promoting stability and reducing pain. Make sure the compression is snug but not too tight to avoid interfering with circulation.
Tip: You may want to try an advanced support tape, such as KT Tape, which is made from a highly engineered, waterproof synthetic material. Built with flexibility in mind, it allows for more targeted support for specific pains. It also lifts the upper skin layers to create a gap between the skin and muscle, which alleviates pressure on sore muscles and allows for greater movement.
Try: KT Tape
Elevation: Elevating the injured area helps reduce swelling by allowing excess fluid to drain away from the affected tissues. Raise the injured limb or body part above the level of your heart whenever possible. For example, if you have a leg injury, prop your leg up on a pillow or cushion while sitting or lying down. Elevation works best when combined with rest and compression.
Tip: You may want to try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), like ibuprofen to ease mild to moderate pain.
Try: Ibuprofen

It's important to note that the RICE method is most effective for acute injuries, such as sprains, strains, or minor muscle tears. For more severe or chronic conditions, it's recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

While the RICE method can provide initial relief and promote healing, you should seek medical advice if the pain persists, worsens, or if you suspect a more serious injury.

In the end, you may not be training to complete a marathon, but that doesn't mean your body isn't suffering with athlete-level aches and pains each day. Don't just rely on extended time on the couch (unless a doctor says to do just that).

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