Edema Control

• Rest - Rest and protect the injured or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
• Ice - Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Place a towel over the cold pack before applying it to the skin.
• Compression - Compression or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, because this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.
• Elevation - Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.

As long as your physician has not advised against movement (in the case of a fracture, for example), gentle movement that is not painful is essential in moving the fluid from the injured area back toward the heart. This also helps to prevent stiffness.

After 72 hours, heat can be applied to dilate the vessels which helps improve blood flow to the injured area.

Alternating temperatures helps to dilate and constrict the vessels. This helps to remove old fluid out of the injured area and bring new fluid to the area to speed healing.

Pain is a natural defense mechanism that helps to prevent the body from further injury. Listening to your body and avoiding painful activity can help avoid further irritation.