How to Apply an Elastic Bandage

Elastic bandages are used to apply evenly distributed pressure over an injured location. Usually used to treat muscle sprains and strains, elastic bandages help minimize swelling that may occur with these types of injuries. You can prevent injury by using elastic bandages where needed or help your injury heal by wrapping it properly with an elastic bandage.

Instructions

Ankle and Foot

• 1

  Start unrolling the bandage at the ball of the foot. Move counter-clockwise with the bandage and wrap over the top of the foot.

• 2

  Turn the bandage around about two or three times under and over the foot, moving towards the ankle after each turn; the bandage should be overlapping after each layer.

• 3

  Begin an "X" pattern turning the bandage under your foot's arch, over the outside of your foot and back around the ankle.

• 4

  Repeat this "X" pattern about two or three more times, moving upward over the ankle with each turn. Make sure the bandage is tight without being too tight as to cut off blood circulation. Finish securing the bandage ideally above the ankle.

Knee

• 5

  Secure the bandage in place by making one circular turn below the knee.

• 6

  Take the bandage back behind the knee diagonally and up above the knee. Make an "X" pattern by bringing the bandage back down behind the knee and wrap it around the leg. Turn the bandage in this "X" pattern for another two turns making sure to overlap.

• 7

  Turn the bandage around in a winding circular motion around the leg, under the knee. Begin moving upward in this circular motion, overlapping with each turn.

• 8

  Continue moving upward, over the knee and reach above the knee. Secure the bandage in place.