However, some compression wraps are inadequate for the treatment of lymphedema or chronic venous insuffiency. While some bandages are still manufactured with latex, many woven and knitted elastic bandages provide adequate compression without the use of natural rubber or latex. Your hand or foot stays cold or pale after you remove the bandage. This material must not be used for commercial purposes, or in any hospital or medical facility. Failure to comply may result in legal action. Wrap Continuously the elastic bandage around the body in such a way that all the edges of the pad are covered. Elastic bandages or compression stockings are usually applied in the morning, preferably before getting up, and are removed before going to bed at night. Fasten the end to the rest of the bandage. Do not use metal clips where your skin folds or creases, such as behind your knee. Leave your heel uncovered. They may come with metal clips or tape to fasten it in place. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. They provide a high resting compression and low active compression. Due to the risk of latex allergies among users, the original composition of elastic bandages has changed. You do not need to wrap the bandage down your calf again. - Keep other bandages secure and protected. It also gives support to an injured area. All illustrations and images included in CareNotes® are the copyrighted property of A.D.A.M., Inc. or IBM Watson Health. [1] Elastic bandages are commonly used to treat muscle sprains and strains by reducing the flow of blood to a particular area by the application of even stable pressure which can restrict swelling at the place of injury. Overlap the elastic bandage by ½ of its width each time you go around. This is a com… Wrap the bandage under your foot. Hold the bandage so that the start of the roll is facing up. In sports injury treatment, it is usually used to wrap soft tissue injuries to provide compression and support. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, To wrap around a limb splint during healing. An elastic bandage puts gentle, even pressure on the tissue around an injury to decrease pain and swelling. Pass the bandage around your calf and wrap it in upward circles toward your knee. Elastic bandages can also be used for weight loss when applied as a body wrap and rehabilitating injured animals through veterinary medicine. Physical therapists and occupational therapists have special training and certifications to apply appropriate compression wraps for edema and lymphedema. - Hold an ice pack in place. Select one or more newsletters to continue. These highly extensible devices are relatively easy to apply and accommodate changes in leg geometry, expanding and contracting during walking. A more appropriate use for compression in treating lymphedema or other edema conditions would be TG shapes, tensoshapes, compression socks or compression wraps for acute conditions or exacerbation. In addition, they conform easily around the lower limb and allow for frequent dressing changes. These types of splints are usually removed after swelling has decreased and then a fiberglass or plaster cast can be applied. Available for Android and iOS devices. - Secure a splint after a fracture or severe sprain. It is usually applied to a joint such as the wrist, elbow or ankle. Hold the hooking end of the closing bar and secure into the elastic bandage; More information on how to use Israeli bandage. 6.5 Applications of bandages. An ACE™ Brand elastic bandage puts gentle pressure on the tissue around an injury. Stop wrapping below your knee. Leave your toes out of the bandage. This is a common technique for fractures which may swell, which would cause a cast to function improperly. When used immediately after injury, an elastic bandage can serve many functions: - Control swelling around an injured joint. By varying the ratio of cotton, polyester, and the elastic yarns within a bandage, manufacturers are able to offer various grades of compression and durability in their wraps. How do I use an elastic bandage? An elastic bandage is a "stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure". Correct Use. An elastic bandage is a "stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure". You have tingling or numbness that does not go away after you remove the bandage. Elastic bandages should not be confused with compression therapy devices designed for the purpose of venous edema management or lymphedema management. The following steps will help you wrap an elastic bandage around your ankle. Elastic bandages are also used to treat bone fractures. After the top of your foot has been wrapped twice, move your hand to your heel. Last updated on Nov 16, 2020. Padding is applied to the fractured limb, then a splint(usually plaster) is applied. The elastic bandage is then applied to hold the splint in place and to protect it. Leave your toes out of the bandage. Cross the bandage over your foot, moving upward, and pass it behind your ankle. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Some elastic bandages even use Velcro closures to secure and stabilize the wrap in place. The elastic bandage is then applied to hold the splint in place and to protect it. Repeat this one more time. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Ask your healthcare provider to show you how to wrap the bandage. Move the bandage down and cross it over the top of your foot. The elastic properties of the bandages help to provide a high recoiling force, which serves to increase venous flow and reduce venous hypertension. Always wrap the bandage from outside to inside. You can also wrap an elastic bandage around your knee, wrist, or elbow. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 2 Nov 2020), Cerner Multum™ (updated 2 Nov 2020), ASHP (updated 23 Oct 2020) and others. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. To hold wound bandages in place. Often aluminum or stretchable clips are used to fasten the bandage in place once it has been wrapped around the injury. This helps to limit swelling and protects the affected area. Following are other reasons you may need an ACE™ Brand elastic bandage. Elastic bandages usually come in 2- to 6-inch widths.