Where should you start a figure eight wrap when applying it for an ankle injury?

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Wrapping an ankle with an elastic compression bandage
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Related Articles
Introduction
How to apply a compression wrap
What is the figure of eight bandage technique?
When applying an elastic wrap Where should it start?
Should you wrap an injured ankle?

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Department: upFront: CLINICAL DO'S & DON'TS

Wrapping an ankle with an elastic compression bandage

Jill Rushing is a nursing instructor at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg. Richard L. Pullen, Jr., RN, EdD, coordinates Clinical Do's & Don'ts, which illustrates key clinical points for a common nursing procedure. Because of space constraints, it's not comprehensive.

doi: 10.1097/01.NURSE.0000365013.85622.5e

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HomeKnowledge CenterWellness Library Sprained Ankle: Using a Compression Wrap

Introduction

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result in lifelong problems. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

If an ankle sprain does not heal correctly, the joint may become unstable, resulting in a weakened and easily reinjured ankle. Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical.

A compression wrap helps decrease swelling. If swelling is kept to a minimum, it may help your ankle feel better.
Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at home.
Elastic bandages are inexpensive and available at most drugstores.
You can wear a protective brace, such as a splint or a device to keep your ankle from moving (immobilizer), over a compression wrap. This can help prevent further injury to your ankle when you try to bear weight on it.

How to apply a compression wrap

To help control swelling, some doctors recommend wrapping your ankle with an elastic bandage , also called an ACE wrap. This product can be purchased at most drugstores. To apply a compression wrap:

Cut several horseshoe-shaped pieces of cloth felt to form a 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) thick pad. The pad will be placed (open end up) under the anklebone to help keep fluid out of the hollow place under your anklebone.
Roll up the elastic bandage if it isn't already. Hold your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Start where your toes meet the body of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping it somewhat taut with a light pull.
After this first wrap, slowly start circling your way around the arch of the foot. Pull the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the toes across the foot's top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a figure-eight pattern.
When you get to the anklebone, wrap the bandage around the felt piece so it stays in place under the anklebone. Continue around the ankle and foot in a figure eight, moving toward the heel on the bottom and toward the calf at the top of the eight. The wrap should cover the entire foot and end several inches above the ankle. Most compression wraps are self-fastening or come with clip fasteners. If not, use tape to secure the end.
The wrap should be snug but should not cut off circulation to the foot. Check your toes. If they become purplish or blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, the wrap is too tight and should be loosened. Also, loosen the wrap at night before bedtime.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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What is the figure of eight bandage technique?

Figure-of-eight bandage involves two turns, with the strips of bandage crossing each other at the side where the joint flexes or extends. It is usually used to bind a flexing joint or body part below and above the joint.

When applying an elastic wrap Where should it start?

Place one end of the bandage below the injured body part. Wrap up and around the body part, overlapping at least half of the bandage with each loop. For example, for a knee injury you would start below the knee and then wrap the bandage around and above the knee. The end of the wrap should stop above the injury.

Should you wrap an injured ankle?

Compression -- Wrapping a stretchable elastic bandage around your foot and ankle can help minimize swelling after injury. If you're going to wrap your ankle, it is best to put the bandage on first thing in the morning, and then take it off at bedtime.