How to Wrap a Leg in an Ace Bandage

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Athletes and average people alike use Ace bandages on their legs to help with a myriad of injuries. The wraps apply gentle, uniform pressure that relieves pain and swelling and can even help to slow down the pooling of blood in the lower extremities. Ace bandages come in multiple sizes and shapes, allowing you to choose the best fit. Several color options are also available if you want variety while healing a sprain.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Applying the Ace Bandage

Step 1

Determine which part of the leg to start wrapping first. If pressure is needed on the ankle, you should start the wrap lower on the foot. However, if the pressure is most needed higher up, such as at the knee, the wrap can be started around the ankle.

Step 2

Clean your leg thoroughly. Make sure it is completely dry before you start wrapping the leg, or it could become irritated or chafed.

Step 3

Wrap the Ace bandage around the starting point twice, completely overlapping itself. This is called the anchor, and it will keep the bandage from moving.

Step 4

Begin wrapping it higher and higher up your leg diagonally, alternating the angle. This crisscrossing should be like a figure-8 motion. The Ace bandage needs to be the tightest at its lowest part; as you go up the leg, you can decrease the pressure of the bandage.

Step 5

Secure the top of the bandage to itself with Velcro or the metal clips that frequently come with the Ace bandages.

Tips & Warnings

Beware of wrapping the bandage too tightly. If your leg, foot or toes go numb or feel cold, unwrap the Ace bandage and rewrap it in more loosely. See a doctor if the pain worsens, as this could be a sign of a more serious injury.

Beware of wrapping the bandage too tightly. If your leg, foot or toes go numb or feel cold, unwrap the Ace bandage and rewrap it in more loosely.

See a doctor if the pain worsens, as this could be a sign of a more serious injury.

Article Written By Jakki Rochelle

Jakki Rochelle has been writing professionally for more than five years, with work featured in "Lines Academic Journal." Rochelle attends a university in central Kansas, where she will graduate with bachelor's degrees in English and sociology.

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