Mmmm tango marathons. Between catching up with friends, making new ones, dancing, and visiting a new city, there are few things not to love. However, after hours upon hours of dancing, your feet will probably be suffering. In between milongas of the Buffalo Tango Marathon I did ice baths, used ice packs, and iced my ankles during the milongas. I danced nearly 13 hours on Saturday alone, and my feet were not happy with me.
Icing an injured area helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation. When you use ice you force construction of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the area. Reducing inflammation helps your body get onto the road to recovery!
Tips to consider:
• Icing is most effective after sustaining the injury. Try to ice the area as soon as possible.
• Elevate the injured area above the heart- this will further help reduce inflammation.
• More of a good thing is not always good. Don’t ice for more than about 15 minutes so that you do not do damage to the tissue.
• Allow at least an hour to two hours before you ice again. This gives the tissue time to warm and recover.
• Don’t ice an area that feels numb, or place ice over an open wound.
How To Ice:
Ice Massage
Apply the ice directly to the injured spot moving frequently. It helps to hold the ice cube in a paper towel. DON’T just hold the ice over one spot, keep it moving. This prevents frostbite! I asked for ice at the bar to ice my ankles in between tandas.
Ice Packs or Frozen Peas
No need to get fancy here. Applying a cold and flexible pack to the affected area works great.
Ice Bath
Fill a deep bucket with water and ice, and submerge the affected area. Take breaks when you need.
Take care of your feet and they will take care of you!
dagny arizona 