We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How do I Put on a Sprained Ankle Wrap?

By T. Alaine
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 10,078
Share

Applying a wrap bandage to a sprained ankle can be accomplished in a few simple steps as long as you keep a few basic instructions in mind. Essentially, all you need to do to put on a sprained ankle wrap is obtain the correct type of bandage and wind it around the injured ankle. Some extra strategies, such as knowing how tightly to wrap the bandage and how to secure the ends are also useful in ensuring an effective and comfortable sprained ankle wrap.

First of all, you will need the appropriate materials. A long, stretchy fabric bandage is easy to find in drugstores or even grocery stores. The doctor who diagnosed your sprain will most likely use one of these bandages to wrap it for you initially, so you can just reuse that one. If you did not see a doctor, or if he or she did not apply a sprained ankle wrap for you, locating an appropriate bandage yourself should not be difficult. You will also need some sort of medical tape if the bandage you purchase does not come with flat metal clips to secure the wrap.

To put on the sprained ankle wrap, take off any socks or stockings and make sure other clothing, such as pant legs, are clear from the area. Consider that even if you can roll your pant leg up high enough to put the bandage on, it might not fit over the applied wrap. Wearing looser slacks or sweatpants that will not get stuck on the sprained ankle wrap is preferable, because any extra pressure on the injury might cause pain.

Place one end of the fabric bandage on the top middle of your foot. Holding the strip of fabric flat against your skin, begin winding it around your foot, slightly overlapping each layer while progressing toward the ankle. Take care to wind the sprained ankle wrap tightly enough to apply slight pressure, as the compression will help keep swelling at bay, but no so tightly that you feel discomfort; applying the bandage too tightly can cut off your circulation and slow blood flow to the foot.

Continue wrapping the bandage around your heel and ankle, stopping a few inches above your ankle. When you have finished wrapping, it is time to secure the bandage so it stays in place properly. If you have metal clips, use them to attach the loose end of the bandage to the wrapped portion. Metal clips are not necessary, and some people find them ineffective or uncomfortable, so feel free to use medical tape. Cut off a strip of tape long enough to wind around your leg at least once; using a short piece will probably not be sure enough. Use the tape to secure the sprained ankle wrap by wrapping it around the end of the bandage, taking care not to pull it too tightly.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By Inaventu — On May 23, 2014

I have sprained my ankle a few times over the years, and I think the key to minimizing pain is proper ankle support. I'll wrap the sprained ankle in the elastic bandage as usual, but then I'll put on a plastic ankle brace I saved from a previous sprain. I think these ankle boots can be found in a lot of store pharmacies. I find that the combination of a wrap and a boot works better than either one by itself.

By RocketLanch8 — On May 22, 2014

I absolutely hate rolling or spraining my ankle. I once jumped high in the air to catch a baseball and landed on an uneven patch of ground. My ankle just went sideways under my leg and I was convinced it was broken. It turned out to be a really bad sprain. I soaked it in a cooler full of ice water for the rest of the picnic, but I eventually had to walk to our car to go home.

Someone went to a store and bought me an elastic bandage, thank goodness. I remembered how to wrap a sprained ankle from a first aid course I took in the Boy Scouts. It pretty much followed the steps in this article, but when I reached my ankle, I made several figure eight turns around the ankle joint before finishing it off on my lower leg. Those turns helped to keep the foot immobile.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-put-on-a-sprained-ankle-wrap.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.