How to Wrap a Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains are common and are generally the result of the ankle flexing in a direction that is not designed to go. For example, many ankle sprains are caused by the unintentional turning in of the ankle toward the middle of your body.

Once an injury occurs, your body may swell, which acts as a "biological bandage" to help stabilize the injured part. To effectively treat a sprain, you should follow your body' s lead and add compression to help heal your sprain. This article will detail how to effectively wrap a sprained ankle, which is only one part, but a vital part of your self-treatment.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Elastic-like Stretch Bandage (frequently called an "ace bandage")
• Bandage clips or tape(s)

1. 
    
   Ankles may swell once sprained.

   A sprained ankle needs care and attention. Simply ignoring the sprain without treatment can result in increased damage, pain, and impact how you are able to walk and do your usual daily routine. So the first thing you should do is look at your ankle BEFORE wrapping it to assess the amount of swelling, any bruising, or other significant findings. Keeping track of these will help you monitor your healing progress.

2. Before wrapping your foot/ankle with a bandage, clean your foot and attend to any open cuts that need attention before you wrap it.

3. 
    
   The bandage

   Place the tail end of wrap on the TOP of your foot. This will prevent you from walking on the bandage tail, which can be uncomfortable, but also the constant rubbing may cause a sore to form.

4. Apply firm and even pressure, wrapping the bandage from your mid foot area to your ankle. Do not wrap it too tightly since this can lead to additional pain and impair your circulation.

5. Be certain to make sure the heal of your foot also gets wrapped. Most people leave the heal exposed, and that can lead to heal swelling and other minor trauma.

6. Once you have wrapped your ankle with firm and consistent pressure, secure the bandage by use of tabs provided or by securing with some tape.

7. Rewrap, examine and clean the area daily if not more. This will help you to check on your healing and aide in circulation.

Tips & Warnings

• Never compress or wrap a bandage very tightly, since this can lead to additional injuries.
• Always examine your injured area before you wrap it.
• Change and rewrap your injured ankle frequently.
• As with any Internet medical advice, everyone is cautioned that diagnosis and treatment can only be properly done by a medical clinician.

[kk43]

on 9/26/2009 I have used this article to obtain informtion and instructions on how to wrap a sprained ankle. I have to cite my work and only see listed your name and eHow's website. I have to cite this information in MLA and APA format. Please forward any information that will make this credible material. Thanks.