There is a key piece of medical advice that is missing from just about EVERY source!
Every source of medical information I've ever found says something along the lines of,

   Swelling is the body's natural response to help injuries heal faster.
   To reduce swelling, do the following:

NOBODY out there, even the world's most prestigious hospitals,
says ANYTHING about WHY you would want to reduce swelling!
In fact, what they do say strongly implies that swelling is a GOOD thing!
If swelling helps wounds heal faster,
then doesn't it follow that you would WANT swelling to occur?

Here's why you should reduce swelling:

Swelling is caused by the arteries and branch arteries opening up fully
and letting the blood flow in at full pressure.
The capillaries are not strong enough to contain this pressure.
The capillaries rupture, causing widespread bruising.
The widespread bruising is an additional wound that the body has to heal.

In severe cases, large blisters may form.
In case of large blisters, make a tiny puncture to drain the fluid,
and leave the bubble material in place,
to cover the area until the body can produce new epidermis
(which takes about a month or two).
Small blisters may be left alone to run their course.

Of course, it is better to PREVENT swelling and bruising.
So, keep on hand, within reach, and know where it is,
an Ace bandage (or equivalent) to wrap around a wounded area
as soon as the injury happens.
When you get injured, you probably will
not be able to go to a store to get any supplies.
Always keep this on hand ahead of time.

Also, to be prepared for foot or ankle injuries,
keep on hand a GOOD pair of knee pads
(available at most hardware stores).
Or make your own.
And practice using them before you need them!
Cheap knee pads tend to rotate out of position.
Make sure you have GOOD knee pads within reach
before you need them.
Or you will bruise your knees by crawling on hard floors
when you can't walk.

This knowledge NEEDS to be copied and posted
at ALL medical websites!  From Mayo Clinic on down!

How is it that millions of doctors, with billions of patients,
completely miss what just one person with one injury has learned?