How is an elastic bandage applied to the ankle joint?

During the recovery period after damage to the ankle joint, it is recommended to use an elastic bandage. The use of such a tool contributes to reliable fixation of the limb in a static position and eliminates recurrence of injury. It is imperative that the elastic bandage is properly applied to the ankle joint. Only in this case will the decision be beneficial. Typically, the procedure is performed by qualified doctors in the treatment rooms. However, having mastered the correct technique, bandaging the ankle joint with an elastic bandage can be done independently at home.

Why wear an elastic bandage?

The use of the drug makes it possible to achieve a number of positive effects. First of all, fixing the ankle joint helps prevent damage to neighboring tissues. In addition, the use of funds reduces the load on the injured limb. Gradually, the intensity of pain decreases, swelling is eliminated, local metabolic processes are activated.

An elastic bandage creates a so-called compression effect. In other words, when the product is applied to the limb, damaged tissues are squeezed, which eliminates their discrepancy. As a result, much less time is spent on rehabilitation after an injury.

Solution Benefits

Fixation of the ankle joint with an elastic bandage has a whole host of pluses. Among the main advantages of the device are the following:

1. You can apply the same elastic bandage to the ankle joint an unlimited number of times. For comparison, a standard gauze dressing often becomes unusable after the first use.
2. When fixing the limb, the product does not slip and does not lose shape. An elastic bandage reliably fixes a limb.
3. The device acts as a universal solution for injuries. You can apply the product not only to the ankle, but also to other joints.
4. This bandage provides high-quality fixation of the limb throughout the day.
5. An elastic bandage on the ankle joint is applied quite simply. Everyone is able to cope with the task (while mastering the right technique). Using the product does not force a person to regularly visit treatment rooms.
6. An elastic bandage on the ankle joint is made of durable materials that can withstand significant stretching, other mechanical stresses. As practice shows, one such device replaces several packs of gauze. Therefore, buying an elastic bandage looks like a good solution in terms of cost savings.
7. Elastic bandage is an indispensable tool for athletes, people who lead an active lifestyle. It is in such individuals that all kinds of joint injuries and soft tissue damage are most often observed.

disadvantages

An elastic bandage on the ankle joint has some disadvantages. First of all, for independent fixation of the limb, you will have to spend time mastering the correct technique for applying the remedy. Mistakes made can result in limited blood flow to the limb. At the same time, insufficient tightness of the dressing will cause defective fixation of the damaged joint.

For repeated use of the elastic bandage you need to learn how to care. Otherwise, the tool can quickly become unusable. The fastener is also capable of being damaged. Thus, the bandage will often fall off his leg.

Elastic bandage on the ankle joint: indications

Apply a fixing bandage is indicated for various injuries of the limbs. Most often, the method is resorted to in case of sprain. Such damage can be obtained by tucking the foot. The condition is facilitated if you fix the limb with an elastic bandage and leave the leg without physical exertion for several days.

Taking more serious measures requires a break in the ligaments. In this case, the limb is immobilized with gypsum for a period of about 10 days. Then the fixing agent is removed and resorted to the application of an eight-shaped elastic bandage for a couple of weeks.

The following injuries can be recognized by the following symptoms. Sprains are characterized by sharp pain that subsides in a short time. After 2-3 hours, the discomfort may intensify again. Then the occurrence of swelling is likely. Movement is significantly limited. On the contrary, in the case of rupture of ligaments, intense pain and swelling develop almost instantly. Hemorrhages in local tissues are possible. Any movement in the ankle joint becomes impossible.

There are other indications for using an elastic bandage:

• The development of severe pain in case of tissue inflammation.
• Bruised limb when the epicenter of the shock falls closer to the joint.
• Rehabilitation after a slight subluxation of the leg.
• Prevention of injuries during active physical activity.

Contraindications

In what cases should not an elastic bandage be applied to the ankle joint? It is not recommended to resort to the procedure if an open wound is present at the site of damage or bleeding is observed. In such situations, the tissues are covered with a sterile bandage. If joint displacement is observed, an ice bag is applied to the damaged area. Then the limbs are provided with complete rest until the doctor determines the nature of the problem.

There are also relative contraindications for using an elastic dressing. We are talking about skin diseases, individual problems with blood circulation and the likelihood of blood clots. In an emergency, a bandage for such people can still be applied. But only for a short time, until the extreme need for its use disappears.

How to apply an elastic bandage to the ankle joint: bandaging

To provide a fixing effect, you need to learn how to properly apply a bandage. In order to immobilize the limbs most often resort to eight-shaped bandaging. How to fix an elastic bandage on the ankle joint? They resort to such actions:

• Slightly above the ankle joint, 2-3 turns of the bandage are performed.
• From the outer side of the limb, a transition to the inner surface of the foot through the ankle is formed.
• Next, the elastic bandage is wrapped around the sole of the foot, moving to the outer edge.
• The dressing then passes through the medial ankle towards the lower leg.
• Such actions are repeated several times, which should lead to coverage of the entire area of ​​the damaged area.
• The application of an elastic bandage in the lower leg area is completed, where the product is fixed with special fasteners.

An octagonal bandage prevents extension of the limb in the ankle joint. The leg is kept bent. The presented position helps to maintain ligaments and muscle tissue in a relaxed state. The result is a shortened rehabilitation period after an injury.

What are some indications that the dressing is incorrect?

The errors in the use of an elastic bandage are indicated by the turning blue of the toes. The effect may occur when the dressing is too tight. The result is a disturbed outflow of venous blood. You can avoid the problem by controlling your own feelings during the procedure.

Blanching or cooling of a limb also indicates that a mistake has been made. The sign suggests that arterial blood cannot enrich the tissues of the foot in the required volumes.

An error is considered to be insufficient constriction of the foot in the ankle joint. In this case, the person does not feel the compression effect. The ankle will remain quite mobile. To eliminate the omission, it is necessary to remove the elastic bandage and apply it again, but with more force.

Useful Tips

When using an elastic bandage, you should pay attention to the following points:

1. Do not use the product immediately after exercise. It should be allowed to relax for half an hour. Thus, the probability of the formation of puffiness is excluded.
2. By tightening the dressing as tight as possible, you can disrupt blood circulation. Therefore, using the tool, the main thing is not to overdo it.
3. When applying an elastic bandage, do not rush. You need to carefully approach the task, observing the correct technique.
4. When applying the device to the limb, skin gaps should not form and all kinds of folds should occur.
5. After removing the bandage, the leg should be massaged gently for several minutes to improve the sensitivity of the tissues and tone the muscles.
6. If, after half an hour has passed after applying an elastic bandage in the limb, a tingling sensation or pulsation has arisen, the product must be removed. Similar effects indicate that the device is too tightly pulled.

Finally

Damage to the ankle joint is a fairly common injury that can occur suddenly in the most unexpected situation. To avoid more serious health effects, it is important to have an elastic bandage. A useful medical device will provide tissue immobilization in the area of ​​damage and facilitate the well-being of the victim before being examined by a doctor.