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How to Wrap Legs for Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a medical condition characterized by swelling of your legs or arms. While there is no cure, treatment goals aim to control and alleviate the swelling in the affected leg or arm. According to Step Up, Speak Out, wrapping your lymphedema-affected leg is considered to the "gold standard" in treatment. It offers support for the swollen tissue, stimulation for the lymph flow and a subsequent reduction in swelling. There are several different methods for wrapping your leg; a therapist will teach you the precise technique. However, knowing the basics of leg wrapping can help to get you started.

Things You'll Need

  • Lymphedema Bandaging System
  • Lotion
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Instructions

  1. Wrapping Your Leg

    • 1

      Arrange all of your necessary supplies nearby. Pre-cut the tape strips to keep one layer of wrapping in place while you are applying the next. Preparation, patience and allowing yourself ample time to perform the wrap are crucial to successfully finishing the procedure.

    • 2

      Apply moisturizing body lotion to the skin of your affected leg. This will maintain good skin condition by hydrating the skin and preventing cracking which would enable bacteria to invade your leg, causing infection. It will also help to alleviate potential skin irritation from using the layers of bandages.

    • 3

      Apply a tubular stockinette to protect your skin. Depending on your individual condition, you may (or may not) also use flexible gauze over the stockinette.

    • 4

      Use the thin foam-like fabric that your therapist gave you. Wrap a layer of padding around your leg. This will help to distribute the compression evenly.

    • 5

      Apply the lymphedema bandages, which are also known as short-stretch bandages. Apply more pressure at your foot, gradually decreasing the pressure as you move upward. The narrower bandages can go around your foot with the wider bandages spiraling up your leg. The exact number of bandages necessary will largely depend on the length and size of your leg as well as the amount of compression that you need.

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