Ankle brace

The ankle is fragile joint that is not usually protected by muscles. It can be damaged when exercising, if you slip on ice or you accidently trip and even when you accidentally lean on your leg. The bandage used for fixing the ankle is used both in the treatment of injuries and as a preventive measure.

What is the difference between a bandage and a plaster?

A bandage is a device that is used to assist in fixing a specific part of the body. For minor injuries it will only be made of dense fabric while for serious injuries it can contain plastic or metal inserts. The bandage that is used for fixing the ankle resembles a sock. When it put on, it leaves the toes open and securely fixes the heel and ankle.

The main difference it has from a plaster is that it is more convenient. The bandage takes up little space and it can be worn with shoes and the soft parts of it will almost be invisible under the clothes. Moreover, you can purchase a ready-made one that has a fitting in a pharmacy or online.

Ankle bandages are ready to use and versatile and it is possible to change the size of lacing when making a personal order. To know the correct size, measure your leg by ensuring that you have the right girth of the shin, the length of the ankle and the exact size of your leg. If know your size, you can easily pick up the ready made one. If the shape and size of your leg is non-standard, then you can request the manufacturer to make a special bandage for you.

Injuries that require a bandage to fix

There are many situation sthat require the use of a bandage. It used in sprains, arthrosis, dislocation, fracture and recovery after surgery. The degree of the density of the bandage depends on how severe the injury is.

Fir mild sprains, bruises and osteoarthritis in remission, the doctor will recommend the use of a soft elastic bandage. It is made from elastic dense fabric therefor it does not compress the foot. It not necessary to use it when you have weak injuries.

A more dense way of fixing the ankle bandage is required when tearing ligaments, severe bruises and loose joints. This bandage is different from the soft presence of plastic or silicone materials, as well as clamps ad laces. It allows you to fit the device depending on the size of the foot.

The rigid bandage is made up of metal and plastic inserts It only provides complete immobility of the ankle and hence it is used for the most severe injuries such as fractures, arthritis, extensive ligament raptures and serious dislocations. These models are very expensive but they ensure complete immobility to the sore joint and enable quick recovery of the bones and ligaments.

Is there any contraindication?

This type of fixation should not be done to everyone. It should not be done on skin and vein diseases of the lower limbs. A tight bandage should not be placed on open fractures or serious wounds at the site of the joint damage. It should also not be used on various skin problems such as rashes, allergies, ulcers as well as diabetic wounds. This is because the skin will be tightly pressed by the bandage which may worsen the disease.

The contraindication of vein disease includes thrombosis, vein ulcers and arterial occlusion. For severe vascular diseases, slitting the limb is not allowed as it will disrupt circulation of blood in the affected area. If the bandage tightly fits the leg it will be dangerous to the damaged veins and arteries.

Rules of application and care

A bandage should be worn in sitting position on a tight cotton sock. During the first days, it should be worn for not more than an house so that the food will get used to its new position. With time you can increase the time you wear the socks but ensure that you regularly remove the bandage to check the condition of the skin. If it is not red or irritated, you can increase the load on the legs.

You should remove the bandage after every six hours so that the feet can rest and treat the wound using antiseptic.

Attention!

A doctor is the only one who can prescribe when you should wear a bandage as you will not be able to choose the right model for the fixation.

The bandage should also be well taken care of. It should be cleaned regularly from contaminants and soft bandages can be washed with warm water and soap.

Bandage for prevention and training

Soft elastic bandage can not only be used for treatment but also for the prevention of injuries. This is important mostly to those who have a mobile lifestyle like those who engage in sports activities cannot do without it. You can also choose special sports model of the bandages and take note of medical, soft and medium rigidity.

If you play football, basketball or volleyball, the bandage will protect your ankles from possible sprains. It also helps when dancing, gymnastics or running; basically in all sports, when the ankle load is too high and there is risk of fractures.

If the load on the ankles is too high, a tight bandage is used to prevent injuries and not to increase the load. Moreover, a moderately tight bandage should be used if you have recently recovered from ankle injury and you desire to go back to training.

If you often engage in physical labour or love to walk in heels a soft bandage will be necessary. This will prevent any injuries, strengthen the tendons and reduce fatigues after a long day. The main thing is to choose the right size of bandage which will improve your overall well being and health.