The ankle is a trochlear joint that bends only in one plane. If, during a fall or bruise, the leg is twisted and the foot is displaced relative to its axis, an ankle joint injury .
The severity of the injury depends on how much weight the sprained foot took on. A simple twist of the leg can cause severe pain, sprain or rupture of ligaments. If the weight of the body or any other heavy object falls on the sprained foot, a dislocation or fracture .
Any injury to the ankle joint injures the blood and lymphatic vessels. Blood and lymph enter the soft tissues, and a primary hematoma occurs with swelling of the foot . Secondary swelling of the foot occurs after removal of the cast for an ankle fracture. The fragile vascular network, restored during healing of the fracture, cannot withstand the increased load, and the liquid part of the blood and lymph again enters the soft tissues of the foot.
To avoid swelling in the foot area, use an elastic bandage “Intex”, which is a woven elastic band made of latex, cotton and polyester fiber. The medical bandage fixes the ankle, preventing re-injury , and forms an eight-shaped bandage, which helps to quickly cope with swelling of the foot.
Overlay Features
When consulting a surgeon about joint damage, the first rounds of such a bandage are applied just below the damaged area. The principle of formation comes down to alternating circular tours with figure-of-eight movements, as a result of which all the skin over the damaged joint is closed. The procedure can be compared in technology to the use of an elastic bandage, which is applied after a ligament or joint injury.
During the first rounds, the dressing material is stretched so that it does not strongly compress the soft tissue. Subsequent rounds are aimed at ensuring uniform compression of the joint. The latter is applied in a circular manner a little higher so that the stretching of the bandage is minimal, and the end of the bandage is secured with a pin. Unlike the method familiar to many, experts do not recommend inserting the end of the bandage under the previous round. This can cause uneven pressure on the skin and cause persistent pain.
The classic method of applying a figure-of-eight bandage is practiced mainly for the ankle and wrist joints, but this method can also be used for bandaging, for example, the collarbone. The bandaged area will look like a peculiar figure, reminiscent of a figure eight.
Types of ankle braces
To treat various types of injuries, functional disorders and ankle diseases, special orthopedic products - orthoses - are often used. They help to form the necessary level of fixation of the affected organ, creating comfortable conditions for the patient. The special materials from which these bandages are made provide additional massage to the damaged area of the leg, as well as its optimal heating.
On our website you can choose different models of orthoses that will help in the treatment and rehabilitation of various types of diseases and injuries of the ankle joint. The care of such products depends on the materials from which they are made. There are 3 main categories of these orthopedic bandages:
Easy fixation
Such options are produced from elastic fabrics and materials that help to properly support the soft tissues in the affected area, providing conditions for comfortable movement of the ankle itself. They allow you to evenly distribute the load on the leg, partially fixing the Achilles tendon, ankle and foot itself.
Semi-rigid fixation
These models are equipped with additional stiffening ribs that form strong support for the leg. They help in the treatment of sprains, bruises, injuries, or are used in the postoperative period to speed up rehabilitation and restore motor functions.
Rigid fixation
To reliably hold the ankle joint in a given position, orthoses with a rigid base are used. Metal and plastic plates form a durable frame that does not allow the foot to move freely. Special adjustable hinge joints allow you to set the required parameters for the amplitude of bone movement in the joint capsule. Such products will reliably protect your foot from accidental damage when walking.
The choice of the final type of orthosis for a particular patient can only be made by a doctor. Taking into account the individual characteristics of the body and the degree of damage to the ankle, he will be able to recommend the right option. The size of such orthopedic products is determined according to the manufacturers’ tables, in which you need to select the appropriate parameters for the girth of the leg and ankle joint and find a suitable orthosis.
The use of a fixing bandage helps in the treatment of various diseases and injuries of the ankle.
The ankle joint is actively involved in many human movements. Therefore, its injuries and ligament injuries in this area are very common. Injury can occur even during normal walking, not to mention more active movements. The problem becomes especially urgent for athletes, whose joints bear a much greater load than the joints of ordinary people. It is worth noting that approximately one in five sports injuries is associated with damage to the ankle.
A special ankle orthosis helps to cope with the consequences of such injuries, help with rehabilitation, prevention and treatment. A shin brace may be required in the following cases:
- During recovery after surgery;
- For ankle injuries that appeared after the removal of the plaster;
- For arthritis/arthrosis of the joints;
- With sprained ligaments;
- With high loads on the joints (This often happens in athletes and people engaged in physical labor);
- For congenital ankle diseases;
- For foot drop
- With a broken ankle;
Bandages for the ankle joint vary in the rigidity of fixation, the materials used and design features. The following models are distinguished according to the degree of rigidity:
Ankle bandage with light fixation
Light fixation bandages help with minor injuries to the joint ligaments and joint capsule. They help to evenly distribute the load, have a massage effect, and partially fix the foot, ankle and Achilles tendon. If you order special heating materials, an ankle brace can additionally warm up the ligaments and joints, thereby speeding up the recovery process. To protect against external factors, a number of models are equipped with silicone protectors. Athletes often use small fixation bandages to prevent injuries and relapses.
Medium fixation ankle bandage
Products of this type have special stiffening ribs, which provide the required level of fixation. Such models are suitable for recovery after wearing immobilizing bandages, injuries, operations, diseases of arthrosis, arthritis, etc.
Ankle bandage with strong fixation
A strong fixation orthosis is suitable for those who suffer from pathological instability of the ankle joint. Clamps with an adjustable hinge can accurately set the amplitude of flexion and extension, protecting the leg from damage.
A soft ankle orthosis is more focused on warming up the ligaments and activating the necessary muscles. More rigid foot orthoses are suitable for repeated injuries. They create a frame that securely fixes the foot and prevents it from getting damaged again. Sometimes soft and hard braces are combined for more effective and faster recovery.
Depending on the rigidity, the orthosis can perform different functions:
- The protective ankle joint brace is used for open fractures, has a bactericidal effect, and prevents contamination of damaged skin.
- A medicated orthosis helps wounds heal faster.
- A pressure clamp helps stop bleeding of small vessels.
- An immobilizing bandage is used for dislocations, bruises and sprains. Very common among athletes.
- A corrective bandage protects the foot in case of congenital pathologies.
How a figure-of-eight bandage is applied to different parts of the body
The peculiarity of the figure-of-eight bandage is that it can be applied both to a massive part of the body, such as the chest, and to a small part, such as the eye. In the first case, bandaging begins with securing movements in the lower part. The bandage is then moved across the right side from the back to the top of the left shoulder girdle. The dressing material is lowered down to make a similar turn around the chest. It is fixed in a circular motion around the chest, securing it with a pin.
Application to the eye also begins with fixing it in the area of the eyebrow. The bandage is drawn towards the back of the head and passed directly above the ear, and then slowly rises to the top of the head and closes the injured eye. Then it moves towards the back of the head.
How long to wear
The wearing time of the bandage may vary depending on the purpose of its application. It is necessary to clearly understand how long you can wear an elastic bandage in each specific case, so as not to aggravate the situation.
- It is recommended to wear the bandage on the ankle, elbow, knee, wrist, and shoulder for 5–6 hours a day, always removing it at night.
- A postoperative dressing is applied an hour before surgery, then left for a day, including overnight. The exact time of wearing such a bandage is determined by the doctor.
- For varicose veins, the bandage is worn no more than 6–7 hours a day.
- The duration of wearing the bandage during surgery on large vessels is determined by the doctor. It can take up to 2–3 weeks.
Features of care
A bandage applied in this way requires increased attention. The patient needs to ensure that it remains in place and does not slip, and if this happens, bandage the upper part of the wound without removing the dressing that has already been applied. It is equally important to keep the bandage clean. If a finger is damaged, a special finger cap is put on top of it, and if a hand is damaged, a clean mitten or sterile gloves are put on. If you follow these simple rules, the bandage will reliably protect the wound from infection and help the damaged joint to recover quickly.
Types of elastic bandages
Products differ in two main parameters: purpose and degree of elongation.
By purpose there are:
- compression - widely used in phlebology for the treatment and prevention of vein diseases;
- fixing bandages that prevent or compensate for the consequences of sprains and dislocations;
- fixing postoperative dressings.
According to the degree of extensibility, bandages are:
- short stretchable with an elasticity coefficient of no more than 70%;
- medium-tensile - the elongation coefficient is 70–140%;
- Highly stretchable, so-called motion bands, provide the most gentle compression. The stretch ratio is more than 140%.
Based on their shape, bandages are divided into tubular and tape.
Bandage sizes
Elastic tape bandages have a width from 6 to 20 cm and a length from 4 to 7 m.
Recommendations for choosing a suitable bandage should be obtained from your doctor and strictly followed.
Advantages of plastic gypsum compared to traditional
- Quick fix . You can change and fix the polymer bandage in 20-30 minutes at home.
- Simple modeling . The bandage takes on the required shape, making it suitable for fixing even hard-to-reach parts of the body and joints.
- Sturdy mount . The material ensures immobilization of the injured limb throughout the entire recovery period.
- Water resistance . The bandage can be wetted: take a full bath or shower, or swim.
- Safety . The product does not cause irritation, rashes, skin inflammation, or diaper rash.
- Bandwidth . It does not need to be removed to perform a control x-ray, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
- Wide selection of colors . The polymer bandage is available in different colors, which is especially important when applied to children.
Permissible duration of wearing a bandage
The question of how long elastic bandages should be worn should be decided by the attending physician (traumatologist or orthopedist). The period of time directly depends on how severe the damage is and on the characteristics of the recovery period.
For a first-degree sprain (accompanied by mild swelling and tolerable pain on exertion), the bandage is worn for 7 days. For grades 2 and 3 (pain is severe and swelling is more extensive) you will have to use bandages for about 2 or 3 months. Usually, along with applying bandages, patients are simultaneously prescribed the use of medicinal gels or ointments.
As for daily wearing of the bandage, it should be removed whenever there is an opportunity to rest and give your feet rest. You cannot wear the bandage for more than 12 hours without a break. Ideally, continuous use of the dressing should be reduced to two hours. It is also prohibited to sleep in an elastic restraint.
Technique for applying a bandage to the ankle
Ankle bandages are also called figure-of-eight. For bandaging, an elastic bandage 1-1.5 meters long and 10 to 17 cm wide is required. They are applied as follows:
- The patient sits or lies on a hard surface;
- The leg is placed on a bolster or chair, with the foot hanging slightly;
- Wounds and ulcers (if any) are treated with antiseptic agents and sterile dressings are applied to them;
- Take the roll in one hand, and the end of the bandage in the other (most often, bandaging is done from left to right);
- The end of the bandage is attached to the ankle, it needs to be wrapped 2-3 times;
- After this, the bandage is thrown over the back of the ankle to the heel, after which it is returned to the ankle (a cross-shaped pattern should be obtained);
- The cross is made 3-4 times;
- After crossing, the bandage is wrapped around the ankle two more times;
- The end of the bandage is secured with clamps, which visually look like plates with paired hooks on both sides (always included with elastic bandages).