I am here to tell you that it can be tempting to just play through pain but your pain is your signal that you need to stop.
I injured my knee in high school and finished the football game.
I thought it was what football players do, wrong, I now have a knee that has never been right and soon I will have it replaced, so much for me staying in the game.
The pain should be a clear signal to you that you need to stop.
Your staying in the game is not an option.
Some prompt treatment just may help you recover more quickly.
Always get some medical help for any injury when you feel severe pain, have swelling or numbness or you can not put any weight on your injured limb without feeling pain.
Another time to get some medical help is if an old injury becomes more swollen and the symptoms will not go away.
And for goodness sake if your joint looks abnormal or does not move correctly have your doctor look at it.
This is plain common sense.
But if your pain is minor and none of the aforementioned conditions are present you may be able to treat it yourself.
Use the RICE method: Rest: Just take it easy, if it were your foot or your leg - keep your weight off of it.
Ice: For the first twenty four hours keep an ice pack wrapped around it.
You should apply the ice every ten to fifteen minutes.
And if you suffer from diabetes or poor circulation do not use ice unless your doctor said to so.
Compression: Try wrapping your affected area with an elastic bandage.
Just do not wrap it too tightly.
Elevation: Keep your injured area above your heart level.
This may reduce or prevent your swelling.
Always be sure to speak with your doctor if your pain or symptoms get worse.
Be guided by your doctor in all injury situations, be a good patient and do not be a hero.
As always you must live well to be well.