Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

Almost every healthcare professional knows how to apply an elastic bandage to the leg, but this skill can be needed by anyone. You may need to use an elastic bandage when treating sports injuries and sprains, for long-term care of wounds, burns, and swelling. Elastic bandages can be purchased at any drug store, as well as in many major stores, and can be found in most first aid kits. It is usually light brown in color and comes with clamps to secure it. Below are the steps you need to take to properly apply an elastic bandage to your leg.

Steps

1. 1 For leg bands, use a bandage 10 or 15 cm wide. Wider bandages are used for bandaging, for example, on the thigh.
2. 2 Wash and dry the elastic bandage before applying it to the wound or injury site.
3. 3 Roll up the elastic bandage when dry. This will greatly facilitate the task of applying a bandage.
4. 4 Rinse and dry the area on your leg to be bandaged.
5. 5 Apply a bandage using an elastic bandage and start from the area below the injury / edema site.
6. 6 Wrap the bandage around your leg two times. Make sure the end is well secured.
7. 7 Alternately change the angle of each subsequent turn of the bandage, they should cross in front. As a result, the bandage should be eight-shaped.
   • For example, if you make a turn to the left, then apply the bandage up. With the leg wrapped around, point the bandage down a little, then when the bandage is in front again, point it up again. Continue until the dressing is complete.
8. 8 Each subsequent turn of the bandage should cover the upper edge of the previous one.
9. 9 Make sure that the bandage is applied evenly and not twisted.
10. 10 Secure the free end of the bandage with the clamps. If the clips are bent or lost, a strip of medical tape can be used for this purpose. Wrap the patch once around your leg and attach it to the patch itself.
11. 11 Check the color and temperature of your toes. Tingling or numbness may occur in the fingers if the bandage is too tight. If your toes are cold to the touch and blue, then you need to immediately remove the bandage and apply another, looser one.

Tips

• The bandage should fit snugly around the leg and provide support without disrupting blood circulation in the limb.
• Leave the heel free when applying an elastic bandage to your leg.
• You can use an elastic bandage on your legs or joints to support them or to prevent injury.
• When the ankle is stretched, special pads can be attached under the bandage in its area.

Warnings

• If you are using a medical tape to secure the elastic bandage, do not overtighten it. Place it gently on the bandage around your leg.

What do you need

• Elastic bandage 10 or 15 cm wide
• Elastic Bandage Clips
• Medical patch (if required)