From Sally S. Harris M.D. MPH

What should a parent do to treat a sports injury initially? How can I tell if the injury needs to be evaluated by a doctor?

All injuries should be treated initially with rest, icing, compression and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Rest from any activity causing pain. Ice the injured part twenty minutes at a time, protecting the skin with a thin towel. Compress swelling with an ice wrap applied firmly but not too tightly. Elevate the injured part above the level of the heart. Any injury in which there is significant swelling, deformity or limitation of function does that does not improve quickly should be evaluated by a doctor.