Ice, Compression, Elevation, Support . Ice decreases pain and swelling. If you don't have an ice pack, wrap some ice cubes in a dish towel or plastic bag and crush them with a hammer or by banging them on the kitchen counter. Or simply grab a bag of frozen veggies from the freezer and wrap it in a towel. Hold the ice pack against the injured area for at least 20 minutes, four times a day.
Compression decreases swelling.
After you've iced the injury, wrap an elastic or fabric bandage around the hurt limb. Elevation decreases pain and swelling. If you can get your baby to lie still, place a pillow under the affected limb so that it's elevated approximately 6 inches above his heart. Support helps immobilize the limb and reduces pain. Put a splint on the affected limb.