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Sprained ankle: Using a compression wrap

Ankle sprains are common injuries that can result in lifelong problems. Some people with repeated or severe sprains can develop long-term joint pain and weakness. Treating a sprained ankle can help prevent ongoing ankle problems.

Key points

If an ankle sprain does not heal correctly, the joint may become unstable, resulting in a weakened and easily reinjured ankle. Proper initial care of your sprained ankle is critical.

A compression wrap helps decrease swelling. If swelling is kept to a minimum, you will heal faster and get back on your feet sooner.
Applying a compression wrap is easy and can be done at home.
Elastic bandages are inexpensive and available at most drugstores.
You can wear a protective brace, such as a splint or a device to keep your ankle from moving (immobilizer), over a compression wrap. This can help prevent further injury to your ankle when you try to bear weight on it.

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Ankle Sprain

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What is an ankle sprain?

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How to apply a compression wrap

To help control swelling, some doctors recommend wrapping your ankle with an elastic bandage, also called an ACE wrap. This product can be purchased at most drugstores. To apply a compression wrap:

Cut several horseshoe-shaped pieces of cloth felt to form a 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) thick pad. The pad will be placed (open end up) around the outside anklebone for cushioning.
Roll up the elastic bandage if it isn't already. Hold your ankle at about a 90-degree angle. Start where your toes meet the body of your foot. Hold the loose end of the bandage at the side of your foot. Wrap the bandage around the ball of your foot once, keeping it somewhat taut with a light pull.
After this first wrap, slowly start circling your way around the arch of the foot. Pull the bandage diagonally from the bottom of the toes across the foot's top and circle it around the ankle. Now bring the bandage diagonally across the top of the foot and under the arch in a figure-eight pattern.
When you get to the anklebone, wrap the bandage around the felt piece so it stays in place at the outside anklebone. Continue around the ankle and foot in a figure eight, moving toward the heel on the bottom and toward the calf at the top of the eight. The wrap should cover the entire foot except for the heel and end several inches above the ankle. Most compression wraps are self-fastening or come with clip fasteners. If not, use tape to secure the end.
The wrap should be snug but should not cut off circulation to the foot. Check your toes. If they become purplish or blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, the wrap is too tight and should be loosened. Also, loosen the wrap at night before bedtime.

See a picture of how to wrap an ankle .

Test Your Knowledge

When applied properly, the elastic bandage should be snug and offer your ankle firm support.

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Where can I learn more about applying a compression wrap?

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma
Last Revised	December 31, 2009

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: December 31, 2009

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

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