Sprained Ankle: Using a Compression Wrap (2024)

FAQs

Is compression wrap good for sprained ankle? ›

A compression wrap is used to prevent swelling, which can help your ankle feel better. It does not support the ankle or prevent it from moving, so it does not protect it except by reminding you to be careful of your ankle. Roll up an elastic bandage if it isn't already rolled up.

Mild pressure that is not too uncomfortable or too tight, and does not stop blood flow, is ideal. Depending on the amount of swelling you may be advised to remove the bandage for good after 48 hours. This is because the bandage may limit movement of the joint which should normally be moving more freely after this time.

Use ice treatments every 2 to 4 hours for the first 3 days after your injury. Compression: Wrap your sprained ankle to avoid swelling and bruising. You might need to do this for several days or a week after your injury. Your doctor can show you the best way to do this.

Loosen the wrap at night before bedtime. Compression bandages do not offer protection. For example, if your ankle is wrapped, you also need a brace to protect your ankle if you try to put weight on it.

However, there's a limit to how long you should compress an injury. At some point, blood flow needs to increase to encourage healing. Use a compression bandage for only the first 24 to 48 hours after an injury. Combine rest and elevation with compression whenever possible.

During this time, she recommends wearing the brace anytime you're on uneven terrain (like a hike or playing your sport) but you don't need to wear it all day.

Compression wraps limit the veins' ability to expand and help blood move more efficiently, which assists the healing process. Further, reducing the inflammation near your wound makes it easier for your damaged skin to receive oxygen, which also speeds healing.

Your doctor may be able to tell the severity of your ankle sprain based on the amount of swelling, pain, bruising, and stability. If you have difficulty bearing weight, or tenderness in the bones of the foot and ankle, you may need additional tests to rule out a fracture.

An important part of recovery is early weight bearing following the sprain. In fact, walking on the sprained ankle can actually improve recovery and stimulate stronger healing of the injured ligaments and tendons.

While common, if an ankle sprain isn't treated properly, it can lead to chronic issues, such as ankle instability or pain, limited ability to return to sports and degenerative arthritis.

Can I walk on a sprained ankle if I wrap it? ›

Note that the Ace bandage will compress your ankle, not immobilize it. That means this can help with swelling and healing, but it's not a way to get back on your feet. Stay off the ankle until it feels better, or you'll only make it worse.

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, it may help your ankle feel better.

Apply to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every one to two hours while you are awake. Never apply ice directly to the skin. Compression: Apply a firm but not tight bandage from the toes to above the ankle. Ensure the bandage does not increase your pain or restrict blood flow to your toes.

Ice may be necessary for the first few days following an acute injury to prevent swelling. Another reason to prevent swelling after an injury is to minimize pain, sensitivity, and also shorten the recovery time. Compression reduces inflammation by preventing blood and other fluids from accumulating around the injury.

ACE-brand bandages are among the most commonly used elastic bandages to wrap injured: ankles.

It all depends. Compression socks support injured ankles and ensure that the area receives plenty of oxygenated blood, but compression is only effective when it is combined with rest, ice, and elevation. Rest is particularly important because it takes time for torn or stretched ligaments to repair themselves.

Most have shown that braces are slightly more effective than taping but that both are better than no support at all. One study found that simply wearing high-top sneakers instead of low-tops prevented some ankle injuries and that high-tops plus taping had more than 50% fewer injuries than low-tops plus taping.