How to Wrap Your Ankle With Vet Wrap

Wrapping an ankle after a minor injury, such as a sprain, can lead to a faster, more comfortable recovery than if you had left the ankle unwrapped. A variety of elastic-like bandages can be used to wrap an ankle. Vet wrap is a type of bandage used by veterinarians that is frequently less expensive than bandages marketed for human use. The only difference between vet wrap and the equivalent human bandages is that vet wrap is available in a variety of colors, including pink, purple and green, whereas human bandages are only available in flesh color. Vet wrap can be purchased in pet stores, feed stores and veterinary supply stores.

Things You'll Need

• Vet wrap
• Soap
• Water
• Tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Clean the foot and ankle with soap and water. Gently dry the foot and ankle.

• 2

  Apply the end of the vet wrap on top of the middle of the foot. This will prevent you from walking on the bandage tail, which can be uncomfortable and painful. It will also prevent sores from forming.

• 3

  Apply firm, even pressure while wrapping the vet wrap from your mid-foot area to your ankle. Check the foot and toes periodically to ensure that circulation is not impaired by blanching the toes and foot. If normal color takes longer than two seconds to return after blanching, the wrap is too tight.

• 4

  Secure the end of the vet wrap with tape to ensure that it does not come off.