Check the toes. Wrapping on an alternating diagonal fashion helps prevent constriction of blood flow. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present. If you have a swollen ankle a compression ankle wrap may help relieve the pain and reduce swelling to help foster healing. Ice. The wrap should cover the entire foot and end about 7 centimetres above the ankle. Secure the bandage at the calf with tape or fasteners. Please note that the information in this article is not intended to replace evaluation by a medical professional. The heel can be left unwrapped to allow for foot and ankle motion, however, leaving the heel out may cause fluid buildup. For a foot compression wrap, a bandage should be 2 to 3 inches wide and between 4 to 6 feet long. Holding your ankle at about 90 degrees, start at the ball of your foot, wrapping the loose end of the bandage once. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. Alcohol. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Follow instructions about how to apply your bandage. Position the injured foot in a neutral position so ankle is at a 90 degree angle. After you’ve wrapped the ball of the foot, wrap your foot diagonally across the top and around the back of the ankle. Cover it with a towel and place it on your foot for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed. Place a towel over the cold or heat pack before applying it to the skin. When wrapping the foot it is a good idea to include heel and ankle to stabilize the foot. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. Make sure to check open heel frequently to avoid localized swelling in that area. The heel can be left unwrapped to allow for foot and ankle motion, however, leaving the heel out may cause fluid buildup. Rest. When wrapping the foot it is a good idea to include heel and ankle to stabilize the foot. Drinking alcohol can lead to swollen feet since your body retains more water after drinking. Elevate the injured or sore area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Continue wrapping around the heel and up the ankle several inches for swelling and pain issues which call for foot and ankle immobility to support an injury such as a sprain. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. RICE therapy is also recommended, but some sprains may require further medical evaluation and treatment, including the use of crutches. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness. What Are the Treatments for a Torn Ligament in the Ankle. Continue wrapping bandage across the top and bottom of the foot towards the ankle. Do not apply ice or heat directly to the skin. Self-care: Rest your foot. If you have a minor sprain or strain, you may turn to compression wrapping to help alleviate swelling. It can also help minimize further swelling. Don’t wrap it too tightly, because this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Always make sure you have unrestricted movement of the toes. Check the toes. If pain and swelling increases or continues after a few days consult with a medical professional. You may be told to keep your foot wrapped with a tight elastic bandage. If you have not already done so, we suggest you also visit the Common Causes of Swollen Feet section to find out about the ten most common causes of swelling in the foot. You can still cause damage if you’re not careful. Warnings. Make sure to check open heel frequently to avoid localized swelling in that area. To use an ankle wrap, follow these steps or watch the video provided: https://pacmedsupplysalem.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/IMG_7486.jpg, https://pacmedsupplysalem.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/pacmednewlogo2-4.png, © Copyright - Pacific Medical Supply | Site designed by. Sandra Koehler is a physical therapy assistant and massage therapist with over 20 years of experience in pain management and physical rehabilitation. Compression. Don't wrap elastic bandages too tightly. So let's look at some of the best ways to reduce the symptoms of a swollen foot and ankle. Compression, or wrapping the injured or sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap / ankle wrap), will help decrease swelling. Elastic bandages don't provide support; they're simply for compression. Keep in mind that elastic bandages are … If not, use tape to secure the end. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Wrapping on an alternating diagonal fashion helps prevent constriction of blood flow. Compression wrapping is the application of an elastic bandage to help manage swelling issues. Then wrap it diagonally across the top again and under the arch of the foot. By using a compression wrap on the foot and the ankle, the entire area is supported and protected from further injury. She has been a health and wellness freelance writer for over eight years and her work has been featured in publications such as "Living Without" and "Advance," and online at sites including WAHM, She Knows and Parenting.com. Elevation also helps with pain and swelling; keeping your foot propped up on a chair or stool during the day can help your ankle feel better. The wrap should be snug but should not cut off circulation to the foot. Place the end of the compression bandage flat against the top of the foot just above the toes. Compression helps stabilize the joint, contains swelling, and provides some protection during the first 24–48 hours after injury. Compression: Compression (tight hold) provides support and helps decrease swelling and movement so your foot can heal. Wrap bandage snugly across the top of the foot and around the bottom of the foot on a slight upwards angle. Alternate an upwards angle with a downwards angle. Coming up with the bandage from the arch, cover the anklebone and continue around the back of the ankle again in a figure eight until you come to the heel and then wrap it up the calf a couple inches.
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