We can use an antibiotic and septic ointment, bandages, and basic personal hygiene to treat most minor cuts and abrasions at home. On the other hand, deep or open wounds necessitate specialist medical attention from someone qualified to recognize and treat infections, gangrene, and ulcerations, all of which are common complications of untreated wounds.

 

We’ll go through one of the less well-known wound treatments. Here’s how compression bandages might help with the healing process and when we might require it.

 

What are compression bandages?

 

Compression bandages are flexible bandages wrapped around a body area to apply pressure. It’s widely utilized as a part of a therapy in first aid. Compression aids in reducing swelling by restricting blood flow and can also aid in reducing discomfort. It’s critical to understand how to apply compression bandages correctly so that they don’t become overly tight and block off circulation.

 

Sprains and strains are commonly treated with compression bandages. They can, however, aid in the stabilization of a body part, such as a rib fracture, and the bandages can also prevent edema or fluid build-up in the lower legs.

 

How do compression bandages help

 

We must apply the proper amount of pressure to a compression bandage to avoid swelling and assist in stabilizing the damage. It can be difficult because bodily components and the blood veins that supply them range in size and shape. It’s one thing to wrap a thigh; it’s quite another to wrap a complicated joint like an ankle.

 

  • Compression bandages on leg and arm

 

We may or may not wish to use a compression bandage, depending on the severity of our injuries. Our surgeon may prescribe a compression bandage if we’re recovering from surgeries. Here are the detailed phases of how we should apply compression bandages to our leg and arm:

 

  1. If it isn’t already rolled up, roll up the bandage.
  2. Hold the bandage so that the roll’s beginning is facing up.
  3. Maintain a neutral stance with our limbs.
  4. Begin wrapping from the limb’s farthest end.
  5. Continue wrapping, an inch or so overlapping the borders each time.
  6. Use needle clippers or medical tape to secure the end when we’re done.

 

  • Compression bandages on injured wrist

 

If we damage our wrist in a fall or an accident, we may need to wrap it to reduce swelling and hasten recovery. Compression wrapping can typically heal a mild wrist sprain, but if our wrist is in extreme discomfort, get medical help. Here is the best thing to do with a compression bandage on our injured wrist:

 

  1. We should begin with the pinky side of our hand and wrap the bandage around the wrist once, with our hand facing down.
  2. Wrap the bandage once around the palm on the thumb side.
  3. Wrap the bandage over the wrist once more.
  4. Switch the wrap to the pinky side and around the palm.
  5. Wrap the wrist one more time.
  6. To stabilize the wrist, use the remaining wrap. Make sure the wrist isn’t overly wrapped. Remove the bandage and rewrap the fingers if they start to tingle or get numb.
  7. Secure the end with clip fasteners or surgical and wound tape.

 

  • Compression bandages on a sprained ankle

 

Our physician will probably tell us to wrap it to reduce swelling if we sprain our ankle. If we have a more serious sprain, we may need more mobility aids. If our sprain is slight, a compression wrap will usually be enough. The steps for wrapping our ankle are as follows:

 

  1. If the bandage isn’t already rolled up, do so now. 
  2. Maintain the bandage with the roll’s front facing up.
  3. Maintain a 90-degree angle with the ankle.
  4. Wrap the bandage many times towards the foot’s ball and continue wrapping until we reach the heel.
  5. Circumscribe the bandage around the ankle, leaving the heel exposed.
  6. Then, in a figure of an 8 (infinity loop), wrap the bandage around the foot’s arch.
  7. Wrap in an 8 pattern from the bottom to the top, working down toward the heel on the bottom and up toward the calf on the top.
  8. The wrap should cover the entire foot from the base of the toes to about 6 inches of the ankle.

 

Do’s and Don’ts of using a compression bandage.

 

Compression bandages are effective at reducing edema. However, there is a limitation to how long we should compress an injury. Blood flow must increase at some time to promote healing. There are several dos and don’ts to follow to improve healing and avoid injury:

 

Do’s

 

  • When at all possible, combine rest, elevation, and compression. We may use a wedge pillow to elevate a sprained ankle or foot. 
  • We should only wear compression bandages for the first 24 – 48 hours after an injury.
  • If we need to wear a bandage at night, check with our doctor. If this is the case, loosen it up before going to bed.
  • Remove the bandage for a few minutes at least twice a day before re-applying.

 

Don’ts

 

  • We should not wrap elastic bandages too firmly. Circulation may be cut off as a result of this.
  • To avoid re-injury, don’t use a silicon bandage. The bandages can assist in stabilizing joints, but they do not support or protect them.
  • Never use bandages that are too flimsy. We can restore the suppleness of the bandage by washing it. If necessary, replace them.
  • Applying cold and compression at the same time is not a good idea. Frostbite can result as a result of this.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Because a sprained wrist or ankle is typical, having a compression bandage in your first-aid kit is essential. It’s also crucial to remember that compression bandages aren’t meant to replace medical attention in a more serious injury like a fracture or muscle tear.

Compression wrapping aids in the removal of blood and excess fluid from the affected area, as well as the retention of the bandage or wound dressing and the pace of healing. Visit AvaCare Medical immediately if you have a leg wound, bedsores, slow-healing, deep cut, or abrasion to avoid catastrophic complications. Please mail us here at info@avacaremedical.com or by phone at 1-877-813-7799 right now.