How to Relieve Leg and Foot Edema With Tension Bandages

During pregnancy, it's normal to retain more water, especially during the last trimester. As a result, you may experience slight swelling, or edema, in the legs, feet and ankles. Edema may get worse during hot days or towards the end of the day. Edema can also remain for several weeks after the baby is born. The good news is that you can relieve leg and foot edema with tension bandages.

Things You'll Need

• Four rolls of brown low elastic tension bandages

Instructions

1. Start at just above the toes and wrap the beginning of one roll of tension bandage around twice to hold it into place.

2. Wrap the tension bandage snugly around your foot moving up about half an inch with each new loop until you reach your ankle.

3. Tug the bandage over the foot and behind the ankle. Pull it around the ankle to wrap around the foot again. Do this two or three times.

4. Take the second roll of tension bandage and begin wrapping it around your leg beginning an inch or two below where the last roll ended at just above your ankle. Wrap it around twice to hold it into place.

5. Pin the tension bandage in place at just above the ankle. Then wrap the bandage until you reach just under your knee.

6. Attach the clips that came with the bandage just below your knee to hold it in place. Repeat Steps 1 to 6 on the other leg.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the tension bandage on first thing in the morning before your feet and legs have a chance to further swell.

• Start at your feet and work the tension bandage up to the knee to relieve leg and foot edema.

• The bandage finishes at the top under the knee on the outside.

• Severe and sudden swelling of your legs and feet could be a sign of preeclampsia, a potentially fatal condition for both mom and baby. It causes fluid retention and high blood pressure. See your healthcare provider immediately if you have any symptoms.

• Do not attempt to apply unrolled bandages and always re-roll the bandages after each use and removal.