How to Wrap a Compression Bandage

Compression bandages are helpful for reducing swelling and helping to heal minor joint sprains, typically affecting the knee, elbow or ankle. When purchasing a compression bandage, it is better to buy one that is a little lengthy since they need to be wrapped around the hurt limb numerous times. Purchasing a larger one lets people cut them down to size if needed. It is also important to apply the compression bandage carefully and not wrap it too tightly. Swelling reduction is also improved by elevating the injured area in addition to using the compression bandage.

Things You'll Need

• 4-inch wide elastic bandage - 2 1/2 to 3 yards in length
• Adhesive tape or safety pins
• Sterilized medical gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Gloves always reduce the risk of spreading bacteria to and from wounds.

  Put on the sterilized medical gloves.

• 2

  A chair or ottoman will do the trick to help elevate a hurt foot or leg. An arm might be elevated on a table or countertop.

  Elevate patient's injured section on a chair or ottoman.

• 3

  To use a compression bandage for a hurt ankle, apply the elastic bandage to the patient's foot, directly behind the toes. Wrap bandage twice around the middle of the foot with 50% tension. This can be determined by pulling the bandage out as far as it will stretch, then letting it rebound approximately halfway as you wrap. Complete the second wrap directly behind the toes. Follow the same basic procedure for hurt elbows and knees.

• 4

  A figure-eight motion is used around the ankle.

  Wrap the bandage using a upward diagonal motion across the foot and around the ankle to begin a figure-eight motion. Move downward diagonally across the top of the ankle, wrapping the heel. Wrap upward diagonally and around the ankle. The figure eight is finished. This technique can also be used on the knee. For arms, no figure eight is needed; wrap the entire elbow.

• 5

  Wrap upward on the leg, overlapping the bandage by 50% pressure on each wrapping. Work your way upward to the middle calf, using 50% tension with each turn. Use 25% compression from the middle calf to the knee.

• 6

  Fasten the bandage with tape or safety pins. It is best to not use the metal clips provided with most elastic bandages as they may put too much pressure or cut into the patient's skin.