How to Strap a Twisted Ankle
According to the Mayo Clinic, a twisted, or sprained, ankle is a common injury that occurs when the ligaments that support the ankle are twisted or even torn. A sprained ankle can be caused by a sports related injury, a fall on an icy roadway or a misstep on an uneven surface. The most effective way to allow a sprained ankle to heal is to strap, or wrap, the ankle with a compression bandage. The bandage is wrapped tightly around the ankle to prevent further injury and can be used in conjunction with an ice pack to provide comfort.
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Instructions
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Inform the injured party to sit in a chair. Kneel down on one knee in front of him and place the injured ball of the foot of the injured ankle onto the raised knee.
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Point the injured person's toes slightly upward. Beginning at the front of the ankle, wrap the compression tape around the ankle one time.
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Wrap the tape around the inside of the foot and continue to the underside of the foot.
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Continue to wrap the compression tape across the front of the foot. Move the tape around the back of the ankle and back again to the underside of the foot. This movement should form a figure "8".
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Wrap the tape toward the outside of the ankle and then around the ankle's back. Apply slight tension to the wrapping in order to provide more support of the ankle.
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Continue to wrap the ankle by moving the tape toward the outside of the foot and then to the underside of the foot.
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Move the bandage around the inside of the ankle and around the back.
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Wrap the compression bandage two to three more times around the ankle, all the while moving slightly up the calf.
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Secure the bandage with a small piece of nonstretch tape.
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Tips & Warnings
Apply an ice pack to the injured ankle once it is strapped to reduce any swelling and provide comfort to the patient.
Avoid wrapping the ankle too tightly. If the injured person is experiencing pain, discomfort, numbness or if the affected ankle's toes are turning blue it may be an indication that the bandage is wrapped too tightly.
References
- Photo Credit man with sprained ankle image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
