With warmer weather here, more of us are out walking, running, hiking, cycling, skateboarding, scootering, climbing, playing golf or tennis, gardening, washing cars and doing other physical activity.

It's also the season of injuries (for kids, it's known as "trauma season" by Children's Hospital emergency staff) and you may end up with a sprain or a strain.

If you're injured, take these steps in the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce pain and limit swelling, according to Consumer Reports on Health. They're easy to remember under the acronym RICE:

Rest. Avoid using the limb as much as possible; if necessary use a crutch or cane.

Ice. Apply ice, a frozen gel pack, or a bag of frozen peas or corn for 10 to 20 minutes every hour. Stop if the skin becomes numb.

Compression. Wrap the injured spot snugly in an elastic bandage. (You can place ice on top of the bandage.)

Elevation. Keep the injury elevated as much as possible.