An ankle wrap with a compression bandage is a common way of stabilizing a joint and discouraging swelling without entirely restricting movement, but it needs to be done correctly. A wrap that’s too loose won’t help at all, while one that’s too tight can cut off the blood flow to the rest of your foot. When you wrap your ankle correctly, the joint should be stable but still able to move somewhat. The bandage should cover your foot and several inches above your ankle joint. You should still be able to slide a finger under the wrap.
If it’s done incorrectly, a number of problems might develop. A bandage that’s too loose won’t alleviate swelling. One that’s too tight may cause numbness, tingling, or coldness in your foot. You may notice your skin turning blue or redness that wasn’t there when you put the bandage on. If this is the case, your wrap is too tight and needs to be re-adjusted immediately. Let our team at Podiatry Associates, P.C. know if you’re having trouble with ankle wraps. We’ll be happy to help you. Contact us online, or call our Parker, Cherry Creek, or Castle Pines, CO, offices at (303) 805-5156.