An injured ankle should be wrapped from the toes toward the knee. An injured wrist should be wrapped from the fingers toward the elbow. An injured knee should be wrapped from the calf toward the thigh. Elevation of the injured part will help reduce pain, swelling and bruising by draining fluids from the swollen area. The injured part should be elevated during ice application and prior to applying compression.
Proper elevation has the injured area placed higher than the heart.
It is important to maintain normal mobility of the injured joint during the recovery phase. However, premature return to full activity may slow healing and lead to early re-injury. Undue stress or activity that causes pain should be avoided. Mild temporary discomfort during reconditioning exercise is not uncommon and of little concern. However, moderately severe or persistent pain is a sign that the level of activity is too advanced.