Because swelling usually starts with in s econds of an injury, start RICE as soon as possible. First place a towel over the injured area then apply an ice pack, ice chips or cube over the towel. Do not apply the ice directly to the skin as it can cause the skin to hurt. If the area continues to swell or the pain increases, check immediately with a physician if you have not already done so, If the injury is severe, you can follow the RICE program for up to twenty-four hours. If pain and swelling persist forty-eight hours after the injury, apply heat.
Further treatment depends on the type of tissue that was injured.
Treat Athletes according to their injuries, not the sport they play. There are six internal tissue structures of the body most frequently involved in sports injuries, the same principles apply. A seventh tissue, the skin, commonly subject to injury is external. Except for skin injuries that are visible, it is often hard to tell which tissue in particular has been injured unless you understand and apply basic anatomy. For example, if it hurts to touch or move your ankle, knee, hip, wrist, elbow, or shoulder you probably have a joint, ligament or cartilage injury.