How to Wrap a Sprained Ankle

Ankle sprains, if not treated in time and in a proper way, can make your ankle more vulnerable to re-injury. Wrapping  a sprained ankle is an easy and cost-effective. The best part is that it works wonderfully and controlling swelling. It is a skill that everybody should acquire. You'll never know when you'll need to use it.

Here are some reasons why you should learn how to wrap a sprained ankle.

1.) Compression reduces swelling. Reduced swelling, in turn, can greatly minimize the amount of time required to heal an ankle sprain. 

2.) Learning how to wrap an ankle sprain is quite easy. You don't have to have a degree in medicine to effective wrap a sprained ankle. Anyone with the right information and a little practice can do it.

 3.) Elastic bandages used for wrapping sprained ankle are widely available and are very inexpensive. These inexpensive bandages can save you weeks of healing time. But you need the know-how to be able to use elastic bandages to wrap sprained ankles effectively.

Here is the step-by-step guide on how to wrap an ankle sprain:

Step 1 – Get the ankle wrap. There should be one in most first aid kits. You can buy one from a retail store that sell band aids. A bandage width of 3 to 3.5 inches is recommended.

Step 2 – Start wrapping.

a) Loop the bandage around the ball of the foot twice. You can pull on the end lightly to make sure there's tension. Don't wrap it too tightly or you can risk constraining blood circulation.

b) Hold the bandage up vertically. From this position, wrap it around the foot twice diagonally creating a criss-cross pattern until you reach the ankle.

Note: Cotton wool can be added over the ankle for added protection. Make sure that you keep it secure should you decide to use cotton wool.

c) Wrap the ankle until completely bandaged. Remember that compression is the goal. Make sure that the ankle is sufficiently covered and supported.

d) Tuck the end of the wrap in a part of the bandage that's already secure and use medical tape to secure it in place. You can also use the fasteners that come with most bandages to secure it.

Make sure that you cover the entire ankle and foot except the toes and the heel. The wrap should reach about four inches to the calf. Make sure that the bandage is neither too loose or too tight. Loosen the bandage before going to bed.