Have I mentioned that I am on my fiftieth journey around the sun?
I would say I am pretty healthy for my age–and in fact, I am sure I am healthier now than I was a decade ago. But this body has its limits, and at times it shows its wear and tear.
No surprise I have been doing a lot of climbing since moving to the mountains. And this past weekend, and for the week leading up to it, I’ve been climbing even more frequently. Add to that a job with lots of keyboard-and-mouse work, and you get a cranky elbow.
I’ve been ignoring it for a few days now, and promising myself if that telltale pain continued I would do something to treat it. Nothing too intense: maybe throw some ice on it and do a few exercises. That sort of thing.
So tonight, after wincing while unloading the dishes, I actually overcame the denial and started into the rehabilitation.
It didn’t take too long, just ten repetitions of a simple exercise to strengthen the tendon, followed by some icing sessions. Now it will just take the discipline of sticking to the treatment–and trying not to exacerbate the injury too much over the coming week or so.
When it comes to injuries, I tend either to ignore what’s really there or allow the magnitude of the injury to become overblown in my head. Neither response is very helpful. Nor is either based in reality.
I have had “humility” described to me as being right-sized–the ability to see oneself in accurate measure, both strengths and weaknesses.
So off I go, for another round of icing–and another dose of humility.
365 Simplify 
Journey around the sun! Love that! And I’m glad to know I’m not alone with my ‘treatment’ of injuries as either ignoring or over blowing! Thanks for sharing.
It’s funny–when there have been major crisis events, I tend to do very well because I under-react. It’s the little crises, though, that will send me into a panic!
I do like the definition of “humility” as being “right sized”! Will definitely hang on to that one. And I hope your elbow recovers quickly. You certainly lead a fast paced life! And it is lovely that you do so much with your children… even if it does lead to cranky elbow occasionally!
Thanks–though your comment did make me pause: am I doing too much? It’s true, I tend to do a lot. Sitting still–now that’s the challenge!
Love rice. Loathe RICE. So, though I don’t feel your pain, I feel your pain. Sounds like you have your head aligned with your elbow now, though!
I am icing, but most of my rehab has involved a cast iron frying pan and what are appropriately called “eccentric exercises!”