Elastic Bandage Wrap

Home care

To apply an elastic bandage:

• Check the skin before wrapping the injury. It should be clean, dry, and free of drainage.

• Start wrapping below the injury and work your way toward the body. For an ankle sprain, start wrapping around the foot and work up toward the calf. This will help control swelling.

• Overlap the edges of the bandage so it stays snugly in place.

• Wrap the bandage firmly, but not too tightly. A tight bandage can increase swelling on either end of the bandage. Make sure the bandage is wrinkle free.

• Leave fingers and toes exposed.

• Secure ends of the bandage (even self-sticking ones) with clips or tape.

• Check often to be sure there is good circulation, especially in the fingers and toes. Loosen the bandage if there is local swelling, numbness, tingling, discomfort, coldness, or discoloration (skin pale or bluish in color).

• Re-wrap the bandage as needed during the day. Re-roll the bandage as you unwind it.

Continue using the elastic bandage until the pain and swelling are gone or as your healthcare provider advises.

If you've been told to ice the area, the ice can be secured in place with the elastic bandage. To make an ice pack, put ice cubes into a plastic bag that seals at the top. Wrap the ice pack with a thin towel to protect the skin. Don't put ice or an ice pack directly on the skin. Ice the area for no more than 20 minutes at a time.  

Follow-up care

Follow up with your healthcare provider, or as advised.

When to get medical advice

Call your healthcare provider for any of the following:

• Pain and swelling that doesn't get better or that gets worse

• Trouble moving injured area

• Skin discoloration, numbness, or tingling that doesn’t go away after bandage is removed