You should not put any weight on the affected area for 2-3 days – in some cases longer.

Cold helps to prevent pain and the build-up of fluid in tissue.

As an ice bandage, you can use crushed ice cubes, an ice pack, which you can make yourself by freezing crystal soap (solid soft soap) or frozen peas/sweetcorn.

Remember to place a cloth between your skin and the ice pack.

During the first 36 hours you should apply the ice pack for 30 minutes and then take it off for 30 minutes continuously as far as possible.

You need to use a support bandage for 1-3 days.

When applying the bandage, make sure that it is not too tight.

The support bandage must be changed every day.

The affected area should be kept above the level of your heart for 2-3 days.

As soon as the pain allows, you should try making see-saw and circle movements with the affected appendage.

Start rehabilitation after 2-3 days according to the information you are given.

Over-the-counter medicine is used for pain relief.

Adults: 1 gram of paracetamol 4 times a day/200 mg of Ibuprofen 3 times a day – where necessary in combination.

Children: After the doctor’s instructions.

If there is no improvement after 1 week, we recommend contacting your general practitioner.

If you experience disproportionately severe pain in the injured area in the first 48 hours following your injury, contact the accident and emergency department straight away.

If you are unsure about anything, please contact the accident and emergency department or the admissions department.