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.