How to Tell if an Ankle is Wrapped too Tight

A slip down a few steps or fall on the football field could leave you in need of an ankle wrap. Ankle wraps promote healthy healing when applied correctly. Serious circulatory complications can occur when an ankle is wrapped to tight. Take care to avoid further injury by examining the tightness of your ankle wrap.

Instructions

1. Check the pulse located on the top of the foot. The pulse should feel strong and regular. Loosen the ankle wrap if the pulse feels weak or irregular.

2. Assess the color and temperature of the toes. The toes should feel warm and pink. Press each toenail bed to ensure the pink color promptly returns. Loosen the ankle wrap if the toes are sweaty or have a gray, purple or bluish coloring.

3. Perform the finger slide test. You should be able to slide one finger between the ankle wrap and the skin. This will allow the ankle room to swell.

4. Note any numbness or tingling in the toes. This is a sign of poor circulation.

5. Continue to check ankle wraps tightness. Swelling or movement could make the ankle wrap tighten.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask for assistance in assessing the ankle wrap's tightness if needed. You should be able to comfortably reach the ankle wrap.

• Apply gentle pressure when checking for the pedal pulse. Too much pressure could result in not properly feeling the pulse.

• Wrapping an ankle too tightly can lead to loss of circulation and further complications.