For a closed injury to an arm or leg, in the first hours you put something cold on the injured spot and keep it raised. Cold and a raised position reduce the blood flow so that it does not swell or hurt much, while heat, alcohol or keeping it low would increase the swelling.
For closed injuries (for example, a bruise or a sprain), in the first hours you should apply a cold dressing and keep the injured limb raised. Cold narrows the blood vessels, and the raised position reduces blood flow to the injured area, effectively preventing swelling and pain.
Option 1. A warm dressing widens the blood vessels, which in the first hours will increase swelling and inflammation.
Option 3. Keeping the injury below the level of the heart makes blood collect in that area, increasing the swelling.
Option 4. An alcohol dressing has a warming effect, which increases blood flow and makes the swelling worse.