Elastic bandage is a very convenient and practical tool. Many women and men often use this device. The product is sold in each pharmacy network or in a large market. It is worth noting that the length of the product and the width can be different. This article will tell you how to properly apply an elastic bandage to your leg. You will also find out in which cases this tool is used and what could be an alternative.
Elastic bandage
This elastic material can be easily applied to a leg or arm. Most often it is used for damage to ligaments, bruises, sprains and varicose veins. An elastic bandage is always applied after surgery on the vessels of the lower extremities. It allows you to facilitate the work of veins and remove a large load from them.
Product size can be completely different. You must always consider the purpose of your acquisition. The elastic bandage on the leg is longer than the hand tool. Also, such products are equipped with mounts. They can be in the form of Velcro, ties or metal staples.
How to apply an elastic bandage to the leg area?
Depending on what pathology you have, the method of fixing the product may be different. Consider several options for how to use an elastic bandage (medical).
Ligament damage: bandage fixation method
If you have stretched the ligaments, then this elastic product will help you. Most often, such an injury results from tucking a leg. A person begins to feel severe pain in the ankle during the onset, and swelling may also appear. It is worth noting that in this case, an elastic bandage on the leg is applied only in the daytime. Before going to bed, the bandage should be removed, and put on again in the morning. In case of joint damage, preference should be given to short bandages with Velcro fastenings.
Start wrapping your foot from the base of your toes. In this case, the elastic bandage (medical) should not completely cover the limb. The phalanges of the fingers should be clearly visible. This is necessary to determine the condition of the leg during fixation. If your fingers begin to turn blue, then it is worth loosening the tension. The bandage is wound in layers. In this case, each subsequent layer should cover the previous one by a couple of centimeters. In the heel area you need to fix the product especially tight. To do this, you can pull it a little harder.
Bandaging the leg with sprain is necessary before the calf. This is where the product is fixed. After applying the bandage, the person feels pain relief and has the ability to move independently. At the same time, various analgesic ointments can be used , but it is better to see a specialist after an injury to assess the complexity of the situation.
Varicose veins and elastic bandage
How to wind an elastic bandage with varicose veins? In this case, the method of using such a device is somewhat different. To begin with, it is worth considering where the dilated vein is located. If this area is located on the ankle and at the beginning of the calves, then the product must be applied to the knee. When varicose veins affect the area under the knee, the bandage is applied to the middle of the thigh. If the expanded veins are visible above the knee, then the product should be used along the entire length of the leg (to the very top of the thigh).
An elastic bandage for varicose veins is selected in accordance with the form of the disease. The preferred length of the product is from two to five meters. Give preference to bandages on metal fasteners. They can be fixed in absolutely any place and position.
You need to wind the bandage from the very toes. In this case, the fingers remain open. A prerequisite for applying the product is a horizontal position. It is better to use a bandage immediately after waking up. Without getting out of bed, lift your limbs up for two minutes. If you had to take an upright position, then after that you need to lie down again and raise your legs for five minutes. Then you can start bandaging. Even if varicose veins are located at the level of the knee, elastic material must be applied from the toes. Otherwise, you may get the opposite effect.
After applying the first turn, pull the bandage slightly and wrap the leg so that the new layer covers the previous one more than half. In this way, continue to tightly fix the leg. Reaching the heel, gently and tightly wrap this area. Remember that with varicose veins, the heel and knee should also be covered by the product. When you reach the desired level, lock the bandage with the clasps. The higher you go up the leg, the less pressure the bandage should have.
After surgery: how to use elastic material?
If you underwent surgery for the treatment of varicose veins, then the bandage is applied immediately (on the operating table). At the same time, the product can only be removed after a few days. Be sure to wear compression hosiery after discarding the bandages. Similar products become an alternative to tight bandaging. They are convenient to use and easier to put on. Compression tights or stockings practically do not differ from ordinary ones. This cannot be said of the elastic bandage.
Knee joint damage: fixation with a medical bandage
In this case, the familiar elastic bandage will also come to the rescue. For proper fixation of the knee joint, you need to take a sitting or vertical position. You need to begin to impose the product from calves. Wrap the knee tight. Each new layer should overlap the previous two to three centimeters. Fix the product over the knee and try to take a few steps. With proper use of the product, it will not be difficult for you to bend and straighten your leg, and pain will decrease somewhat.
Recommendations for those who use elastic bandage
Before you independently apply a medical elastic bandage on your leg, you should visit a doctor - surgeon or traumatologist. Only a specialist can sensibly assess the complexity of the situation and give appropriate recommendations. Also, the doctor will show you the correct way to use the bandage in your case.
An alternative to elastic bandage is compression hosiery. However, this statement is true only in the case of varicose veins. If the ligaments or joints are damaged, plaster can become an alternative to tight bandaging.
Conclusion
Elastic bandages require some care. Wash them daily in cool water with non-aggressive detergents. After improper washing, the product may lose its quality. Some people prefer to buy new products instead of washing. It is worth noting that such a pleasure is quite expensive.
It is better to dry the bandage in a straightened state at room temperature. Do not use clothespins or a battery to dry. Store the product in a neatly folded form in a dry place. The shelf life of the product is from two to five years, depending on the frequency of its use.