How to Apply an Aircast to an Ankle

Ankle sprains frequently occur during sporting activities or while on uneven surfaces when the ankle rolls inward. These injuries are often painful and take up to several weeks to heal. Unless there is damage to the bone, a hard cast is not usually applied for a sprain; however, the ankle does need external support to keep it stable and decrease pain and swelling while the soft tissue is healing. The Aircast Air-Stirrup Ankle Brace provides this type of support and is easy to use.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic wrap
• Adhesive tape

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply the elastic wrap to your ankle first thing in the morning while you are still in bed. Swelling will be reduced after a night of being off the foot. Begin wrapping just above the toes and overlap each layer by half of the width of the previous layer. Continue wrapping up around the ankle and secure the bandage with tape.

• 2

  Open the straps on the Aircast and place the heel piece under your heel. Bring each side of the brace up along either side of your ankle so that the bones sit comfortably in the gel padding.

• 3

  Hold the sides of the brace against your leg with one hand. Begin at the bottom and grasp the Velcro straps and wrap them snugly around the ankle and leg. Put on your shoe or slipper over the brace.