How to Wrap an Ankle for a Torn Ligament

A sprained ankle occurs when a ligament, the fibrous connective tissue which connects bones to joints, tears or severely stretches. The most common area for a ligament to tear is the ankle. Signs of a torn ligament including swelling, pain, tenderness and discoloration. Stabilizing the ankle to decrease movement and promote healing can be done when wrapping the ankle. Additional treatment for a torn ligament includes rest, ice and elevation.

Things You'll Need

• Elastic bandage
• Sports or medical tape
• Medical foam

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Instructions

• 1

  Cut a small a piece of medical foam big enough to cover the ankle area, about 2 inches by 3 inches. Remove socks or stockings and elevate the foot.

• 2

  Add compression to the ankle using an elastic or ACE bandage.Start wrapping the foot near the ball of the foot, but do not cover the toes. Keep the bandage loose and do not wrap the foot extremely tight--toes should remain natural skin color and not become numb.

• 3

  Release the bandage around the base of the foot and then around the ankle, behind the base of the heel. Continue to unravel creating a figure eight movement with the bandage. Place the medical foam directly above the injured area right before wrapping. The heel should not be wrapped, but left open.

• 4

  Firmly attach the end of the bandage with a piece of tape or metal clip. Unwrap the bandage at night and rewrap in the morning. Add additional tape to reinforce the bandage and ensure it doesn't slip out of place.