Applying a compression wrap for a sprained ankle

How to apply a compression wrap

To help control swelling, some doctors recommend wrapping your ankle with an elastic bandage, also called a tensor wrap. This product can be purchased at most drugstores. To apply a compression wrap:

• Cut several horseshoe-shaped pieces of cloth felt to form a 1.3 cm (0.5 in.) thick pad. The pad will be placed (open end up) around the outside ankle bone for cushioning.
• Roll up the elastic bandage if it isn't already. Hold your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Start where your toes meet the body of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping it somewhat taut with a light pull.
• After this first wrap, slowly start circling your way around the arch of the foot. Pull the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the toes across the foot's top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a figure-eight pattern.
• When you get to the ankle bone, wrap the bandage around the felt piece so it stays in place at the outside ankle bone. Continue around the ankle and foot in a figure eight, moving toward the heel on the bottom and toward the calf at the top of the eight. The wrap should cover the entire foot except for the heel and end several inches above the ankle. Most compression wraps are self-fastening or come with clip fasteners. If not, use tape to secure the end.
• The wrap should be snug but should not cut off circulation to the foot. Check your toes. If they become purplish or blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, the wrap is too tight and should be loosened. Also, loosen the wrap at night before bedtime.

See an illustration of how to wrap an ankle.

Test Your Knowledge

1. When applied properly, the elastic bandage should be snug and offer your ankle firm support.

1. True
2. False

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Author:	Douglas Dana Amy Fackler, MA	Last Updated: March 30, 2006
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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