The pain and swelling in my leg have gotten worse since I strained my calf muscle yesterday. Is it true that wrapping it and keeping the leg elevated can help the swelling go down?

For anything more than a simple strain, you should see your doctor or physical therapist before treating it yourself. Wrapping the sore muscle with an elastic wrap can often provide some relief from pain and swelling. Even though there are no formal studies to confirm the benefits, most health care providers would recommend using these measures because they seem to help with pain and swelling. Be sure not to put the wrap on too tightly. If you feel extra throbbing or pain and your toes start to feel cold, it could mean you’ve got the wrap on too tightly.