Rest: Unpainful movement of the area is important, but avoid putting weight on the injury for a prolonged time, perhaps by using crutches, until it is less painful to use Ice: Apply ice, not heat, to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes every hour or two throughout the first 24 to 72 hours or
until the swelling subsides Compression: Wear an elastic compression wrap for the first 24 to 36 hours to help minimize any swelling Elevation: Rest the injury above heart level for two to three hours per day to reduce the amount of swelling that collects in the body's extremities Stabilization: Especially if medical care is not readily available, like in the wilderness, stabilize the injured area until care becomes available