Compression bandages are typically used to treat sprains and strains. But, they can also help keep a body part stabilized, such as when there has been a rib fracture. The bandages may also be used to prevent or treat the build-up of fluid in the lower legs, known as edema.
This article will discuss how to use compression bandages correctly, mistakes to avoid, and other treatment alternatives. Compression bandages can be anywhere from 2 inches to 6 inches in width. As a general rule, the wider the bandage is, the less likely it will be to cut off circulation. It is important, therefore, to select the right size for the body part. By way of example:.
Always choose the right-sized bandage for the body part. A bandage that is too narrow can cut off circulation. A bandage that is too wide may not provide ample compression. When using a compression bandage, you need to apply the right amount of pressure to prevent swelling and help stabilize the injury.
This can be tricky since body parts and the blood vessels that supply them differ in size and shape. Wrapping a thigh is one thing; wrapping a complex joint like an ankle or wrist is another. To use a compression bandage on a leg or arm:. To use a compression bandage on an ankle:. To use a compression bandage on a wrist:. The bandage should be tight enough to feel snug but not so tight as to cause pain, discomfort, numbness, tingling, or cold or blue fingers or toes.
These are signs that the bandage is too tight and needs loosening. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't know how to use a compression bandage. If in doubt, call your doctor or ask your pharmacist to show you how to use one.
Compression bandages do a good job of keeping the swelling down. However, there's a limit to how long you should compress an injury. At some point, blood flow needs to increase to encourage healing. To improve healing and prevent injury, there are some do's and don'ts you should follow:. Ask your doctor if you need to wear the bandage at night.
If so, loosen it slightly before bedtime. Don't use a compression bandage to prevent reinjury. The bandages can help stabilize joints, but they neither support nor protect them. Never use limp bandages. Washing the bandage can help restore some of the elasticity. Buy new ones if needed. Compression bandages are extremely useful but not appropriate for all situations.
There are several alternatives that may be better suited for certain injuries or medical conditions. For longer-term use, compression wraps may be recommended instead of compression bandages. These are wider pieces of elastic material usually secured with velcro.
They are designed for larger body parts, such as the chest or thigh, and provide stable, even compression. There are also tube-like elastic sleeves and compression socks , also designed for longer use. Self-adherent compression bandages, such as Coban or Dynarex, are bandages that behave like tape but do not stick to the skin. An abdominal film is an X-ray of the abdomen.
This type of X-ray can be used to diagnose many conditions. Learn more here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Compression Wrapping. Common uses Wrapping sprained ankle Wrapping sprained wrist Wrapping knees or legs Takeaway Overview. Common uses for compression wrapping. How to wrap a sprained ankle. How to wrap a sprained wrist. Wrapping knees or legs. The takeaway. Read this next. Medically reviewed by Elaine K.
Luo, M. Ankle Sprain. Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. This is because the wrap can provide support for muscles that have to make a lot of effort for movement and stability. The support that the wrap provides will help relieve the other surrounding muscles and ease pressure on joints and ligaments. Arthritis causes inflammation around joints. And in most cases, those who suffer from it often feel pain when their joints get cold.
Those who have arthritis in their lower extremities also need muscle support especially as they try to walk. Fortunately, compression wraps can be used to provide warmth over affected areas and also provide muscular support to help in mobility. Wrist sprains and wrist injuries are very common among active people who do sports that put them at risk for slips and falls. When the wrist gets injured, it can develop severe pain. WIth the help of a compression wrap, you can stabilize the area and prevent more damage.
The pressure you apply on the wrist can also help improve circulation and promote healing. Cramps are also caused by the buildup of lactic acid within the muscles. Using compression wrap around muscles that would typically get cramped before doing exercise or sports, you may prevent discomfort and delay cramps around that area.
As we move, our muscles vibrate and increase in tension. With constant use, the muscles will finish its energy stores and go through fatigue.
But with a compression wrap, you can give support for that muscle and reduce the vibration that suffers. Benefits of using compression wraps include reducing fatigue but also improving endurance.
Shin splints and tendonitis may cause severe pain and may also prevent you from walking properly. The wrap can also help stabilize the area, decreasing pain and vibration as well as preventing more tears to take place. People who need to stand, sit, drive or walk for long periods of time can suffer from vein problems. This is why it is highly recommended that they use compression wraps to help restore the normal pressure within their legs before problems show.
Benefits of using compression wraps showed that they are very useful for the treatment of swelling and minor injuries. By using wraps properly, you can actually help minimize the damage and improve your chances of getting a fast recovery.
Blood pressure tends to go down in areas of your body where veins have lost their integrity. Aside from slowing down the flow of blood, venous problems may also cause the blood to pool and to even flow backwards. Fortunately, the use of a compression wrap helps correct the pressure in such areas. By adding pressure, we can correct blood flow and the static blood will be pushed towards the heart.
With improved blood flow, the delivery of oxygen and nutrients towards the affected parts of your body can also be increased. This is why using a compression wrap can help you heal faster from bruises, strains or sprains. Aside from their role in first-aid, we can use compression wraps for chronic or long term venous problems.
Using the right compression wrap can correct the blod flow and help reduce pain and provide relief for those who are suffering from varicose veins, inflammation and even leg ulcers. If you have been suffering from sore muscles, sprained joints and venous insufficiency, check out some of our premium compression wraps so you can get the support that you need.
What are compression wraps? How do compression wraps help treat injuries, reduce inflammation, and promote recovery? Who should use compression wraps? What are the common types of compression wraps? Compression wraps are great for alleviating Edema One of the benefits of using compression wraps is that they hep easing Edema.
Edema may affect either a small portion of your body, or the whole body itself depending on what kind of damage caused it, Compression wraps are great for easing edema because it increases the pressure around the swollen area.
Compression wraps may be used to increase nutrient delivery The removal of excess fluids and the restoration of normal pressure in the veins with the help of compression wraps allows your blood and lymph fluids to flow through the affected area properly. Compression wraps help increase oxygen delivery Another of the benefits of using compression wraps is that they help restore the normal pressure within your veins. Improving the rate of tissue repair and recovery with the help of a compression wrap With the help of a compression wrap, pressure in your veins normalize, blood flows freely and the lymphatic system works properly.
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