Wrapping An Ace Bandage

When you suffer from a sprain, strain or other muscle or joint injury, Ace bandages can be used to provide support and compression. When wrapped correctly, an Ace bandage can help:

• limit swelling (swelling slows down healing)
• relieve pain
• protect the injured tissue
• speed healing

Wrapping an ace bandage

• Check the skin where you will be putting the wrap. It should be clean, dry, and free of drainage
• Always start with a rolled-up bandage
• Begin at the far end of the injured limb, keeping the unrolled portion of the bandage close to the skin surface
• Avoid wrinkles in the bandage
• Wrap in the position you want maintained (whatever is most supportive to the injured area)
• Leave fingers and toes exposed and check frequently for circulation (see 2nd "general tip")
• Apply gentle compression

General tips

• If you lose the clips that come with the bandage, you can use a strip of adhesive tape to hold the bandage in place.
• If you notice in the fingers/toes: a color change to pale or blue, increased swelling, temperature colder than unaffected side, diminished sensation, or pain in exposed digits, the bandage is too tight and it should be re-wrapped.

Taking off the bandage

• Remove clips or adhesive tape.
• Unwind the bandage in the opposite direction as that in which it was applied.
• If the bandage is still clean and dry, you may re-roll it for use in the future.
• After removing the bandage, gently move the injured area through all the normal motions. If this causes pain, stop and consult with a clinician. If the area appears to be pain-free and has adequate mobility, resume activity.