How to Wrap an Elastic Bandage

Elastic bandages are used on injuries like sprains to help increase blood flow or slow swelling. They can also be used to hold compresses or wound bandages in place. These bandages come with metal clasps or Velcro fasteners. The figure-eight technique is especially useful for adding support to your injury and keeping the bandage in place. In addition to ankles, you can use the technique on wrists, elbows and knees. You can buy elastic bandages at most food or drug stores.

Instructions

• 1

  Hold the elastic bandage with the roll facing up.

• 2

  Place the loose end of the bandage on the top of your foot. Hold this piece in place with your left hand. Wrap it around to the base of the foot where the foot bends, overlapping about half of the bandage's width. Wrap the foot twice.

• 3

  Wrap the bandage around your ankle in a figure-eight pattern. It should cross on top of your foot and wrap around your ankle. Wrap it under the foot to complete the figure eight. Do this twice.

• 4

  Wrap the bandage up your calf, overlapping half the width of the bandage. Wrap all the way to just under your knee. You do not need to wrap back down to the foot.

• 5

  Fasten the end of the bandage in place. Use either Velcro or metal fasteners. Do not use metal fasteners if your wrap ends near a bend in your skin, such as at a joint.