The standard treatment in the minutes following most minor, soft tissue sports injuries (like sprains, strains, and minor tendon tears) is the RICE treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest the affected area for 24 to 48 hours. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel or cloth for 20 minutes three times per day. You can also alternate between ice and no ice, each for 15 minutes, until the swelling subsides. Compress the injury with a bandage for 48 to 72 hours. This can help to reduce swelling, as long as the wrapping isn’t too tight.