just add ice

i've been feeling quite geriatric lately... especially after running. arthritis is in the realm of what i thought i had/have. the whole of my left foot aches the following morning and oftentimes days after. the ache is so painful that i walk with a slight limp. however, after last night's foot in a bag of ice treatment, i'm feeling an improvement.

ice works wonders. i've never iced anything regularly. it's just not something i've ever got into the habit of doing. but after last night, i'm a believer.

this leads me to wonder. what did my ancestors do to reduce swelling and pain without the capability of freezing water? did they have cold rivers to stick their aching feet into? i don't think so. i do think the chinese had ointments that mimicked a cooling sensation, but was that enough? anyway, things that make you go 'hmmm'.