These bandage wraps are typically used to treatsprains and strains.
It is important, therefore, to grab the right size for the body part.
The skin color also may appear bluish or purple-red.
Illustration by Cindy Chung for Verywell Health
You’ll need to loosen the wrap to restore circulation.
Always choose the right-sized bandage for the body part.
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.
These are signs that the bandage is too tight and needs loosening.
If in doubt, call your healthcare provider to show you how to use one.
Dos and Don’ts
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.
Combine rest and elevation with compression whenever possible.
Remove the bandage at least twice daily for a few minutes before placing it back again.
Ask your healthcare provider if you should sleep with a compression bandage on.
If so, loosen it a little bit before bed.
Don’t apply ice and compression at the same time.
This can cause frostbite.
Don’t wrap elastic bandages too tightly.
This can cut off circulation.
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.
Alternatives
Compression bandages are extremely useful but not appropriate for all situations.
By restricting blood flow, swelling and inflammation can be reduced.
This not only promotes healing but helps to make the injury feel better.
It is important to use a compression bandage correctly.
This includes choosing the right size and wrapping the body part snugly to apply pressure without cutting off circulation.
A compression bandage generally should be used for only 24 to 48 hours after an injury.
Medlink Healthcare Group.Healing With Compression Bandage: A Complete How-To Guide.
3M.3MTM CobanTM Self-Adherent Wrap with Latex.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Ankle sprains: what’s normal and what’s not.
2015 Aug;25(6):987-95. doi:10.1007/s00590-015-1607-4
