Most falls result in minor bumps, bruises and sprains and do not require emergency medical care. Most painful areas injured in a fall can benefit from immediate icing, which minimizes swelling. Ice packs wrapped in a towel are applied during the first 24 hours for 15 to 20 minutes on, then 40 to 60 minutes off. Lightly wrapping a minor sprain with elastic bandage may also ease discomfort, as the wrap minimizes unplanned movements. Care should be taken not to wrap too tightly. Numbness or tingling below the level of a wrap means the bandage should be replaced more loosely.