Elastic bandages are very multifunctional and can perform several functions at once:
- (when used immediately after an injury) an elastic bandage will help relieve swelling around the injured joint, preventing fluid from accumulating at the site of the trauma
- (with a strong sprain or fracture) you can fix a special splint on the injured limb with the help of an elastic bandage
- an elastic bandage supports the injured area from deformation,
- improves blood flow in the limbs,
- with the help of an elastic bandage, you can fix cooling or warming compresses at the site of trauma.
Practical tips for using an elastic bandage:
- Do not wrap the elastic bandage too tight otherwise, it may cut off blood circulation. Swelling, numbness, tingling, or discoloration of the limb means the bandage is too tightened and needs to be loosened.
- Do not apply an elastic bandage to an open wound. Before using a bandage or splint, clean and close the wound. And remember: serious wounds require professional medical attention.
- Take off the bandage at least two times a day. Leave for a few minutes, then wrap the injured limb again. Ask your doctor if you need to remove the bandage at night.
- If you feel numbness or tingling, or if the injured limb becomes cold or pale, immediately remove the elastic bandage. Gently rub the affected area and when you feel better, rewind the bandage.
- Keep a spare elastic band on hand and use it if the one you wear gets wet or dirty.
- When bandaging, leave your fingers and toes open and free to move. It will also help to observe any changes in the injured area.
- An elastic bandage should be applied with more pressure at the bottom and less pressure at the top of the limbs, wrapping it diagonally, not in a circle.
- When applying a bandage, make sure that there are no folds or twists on it. This will ensure even pressure on the injured area.
Elastic bandages can be used for compression wraps in the following cases:
- sprained wrist or ankle,
- muscle tension,
- swelling of the extremities,
- varicose veins,
- bruises or bruises
When should you consult a doctor?
- If you experience pain or spasms in a limb covered with an elastic bandage.
- There is tingling, swelling, or numbness that does not go away after the bandage is removed.
- If after removing the bandage, the hand or foot remains cold or pale.
- You notice redness that wasn't there when you first applied the dressing.
- You have questions or concerns about using an elastic bandage.
How to wrap your ankle:
- Hold your ankle at a 90° angle. Start with a double turn around the ball of the foot and arch.
- Put the bandage on the top of the foot, wrap it around the ankle and return to the opposite side of the foot.
- Do this in a figure-eight pattern, wrapping around the arch of the foot after each pass around the ankle.
- When you close your ankle, secure the end of the bandage so that it does not touch the skin.
- Try to wrap tightly, but not too much.
How to wrap your wrist:
- Wrap the bandage around your wrist once, starting with the little finger and palm down.
- Pull the bandage towards your thumb and wrap it around your palm once.
- Cross the bandage back up to the wrist and wrap it around the wrist again.
- Turn the bandage over the little finger and around the palm.
- Wrap around your wrist again.
- Use the rest of the bandage to stabilize your wrist. Make sure the bandage isn't too tight around your wrist. If your fingers begin to tingle or numb, remove the bandage and reapply.
Knee or leg wrap:
The surgeon may recommend a compression wrap after knee surgery to speed up the healing process.
Different types of injuries in the area of the knee and lower leg or thigh require different applying techniques of elastic bandage. Be sure to consult your doctor about the correct application method so as not to disturb blood circulation and cause deterioration.
All information in the articles is informative. For more information on using an elastic bandage, consult your doctor. For elastic bandages and bandages TM MedTextile — ask at pharmacies in your city.
