Do the footstool things actually help?

Cold pack for the swelling, warm bath for the ache. Alternating those got me through the worst days.

A small stool under your feet raises your knees above your hips and puts you in more of a squat, which straightens things out and usually means less straining. You do not need a fancy one, a sturdy box or a couple of thick books work the same. It will not fix everything alone, but with not rushing and keeping stool soft it made going less of a battle for me.