Apply ice wrapped in a plastic bag or washcloth. You can wrap the affected area in an elastic bandage in a figure eight pattern. During the first day, apply ice to your child's affected joint three times a day for 20 minutes at a time. While wearing an elastic bandage, your child should not strain or cause pain to the hurt area with any activity. Pain gets worse instead of better.
Ice causes more pain and discomfort.
Joint swells more. Joint is tender to use 24 hours after the injury. Child cannot sleep because of pain. Scrapes can be painful after the injury. If you are not sure your treatment of a strain or a sprain is helping, assume the child has a broken bone.