COLD COMPRESSES - A cold compress can be effectively delivered by placing ice and a small amount of water into a zip-lock bag and then covering it with a thin damp cloth. Do not place ice directly on the skin. Application should occur in 20-minute intervals: 20 minutes using the compress, followed by 20 minutes without the compress. Cold compresses are useful to control pain and swelling in most injuries for the first 24-48 hours following the injury. Elevating the injured extremity or body part over the level of the heart is equally important to minimize swelling.