How To Apply An ACE Wrap Correctly Around The Ankle

I would like to first announce that our Learning page on my practice's website has changed format a little- it is now reorganized into categories to make finding and researching foot conditions easier.  On that page I have written dozens of articles on foot conditions that differ in content and format from my blog entries.  Check it out if you have a question on foot problems that are not covered in this blog, or just want general foot pain information on a specific topic.
Here is the link:
http://www.inpodiatrygroup.com/services.html

Now, to today's topic.  I want address a simple matter, that happens to be one that many people get wrong.  This is the simple application of an ACE wrap on a sprained ankle.  An ACE wrap is the brand name of a specific kind of elastic bandage that wraps around a body part, supporting and compressing it at the same time.  It is commonly referred to by the brand name even if ACE does not make it, just like adhesive bandages are all called Band-Aid no matter who makes them.  It is inaccurate, but that's the way it goes with iconic products.  These compressive dressings are meant to be wrapped around a joint or limb, and provide stability to an injury and compress inflammation out of the site to reduce pain.  It is often used as first aid for ankle sprains or tendon injuries, especially since a quality medical brace is either unavailable or too costly in the pharmacy (which incidentally many insurances cover braces for injuries, so there is no reason to pay exorbantly for a pharmacy or sporting goods store product).  There is a specific technique to applying these wraps to make them effective, and many times people get it wrong.

I will describe wrapping an ankle, as this is the most common use.  You must start with wrapping at the foot, just before the ball of the foot before the bases of the toes begin.  This orients the compression upward in the proper direction.  Starting above the ankle pushes fluid downward in the wrong direction.  Start by wrapping the material around and around.  It should be stretched no more than halfway through the elastic's natural stretch to give comfortable compression, and each successive wrap up should cover the preceding wrap's forward half as you wrap upward towards the ankle.  As you reach the ankle and start of the heel, you should extend the wrap upward and over the ankle bones, wrapping it around behind the top of the ankle on the lower leg, and then returning the wrap back to around the foot.  This creates a kind of figure-eight locking wrap to the ankle, and better stabilizes the ankle instead of simply continuing the wrap around the heel and over the ankle like you were wrapping a mummy.  This type of locking wrap should be continued for a few times, and then the wrapping can continue around the heel and up the ankle to the lower leg.  The wrap should be secured with either the clip that came with it, the velcro many new wraps contain at their ends, or with medical tape.  The wrap should feel secure but not overly tight, and if your toes turn blue or hurt/throb, the wrap needs to be loosened and redone.

Remember, if a foot injury seems serious, or if it is not improving over a week, you should see a foot specialist for more accurate care.

Until next time,
Scott R. Kilberg DPM

www.inpodiatrygroup.com - foot surgeon, podiatrist in Indianapolis
thediabeticfoot.blogspot.com - diabetic foot problems
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A foot doctor in Indianapolis Noblesville Fishers Carmel Westfield and Fortville Indiana.