Lymphedema is a condition that causes swelling in the arms or legs. According to the Mayo Clinic, lymphedema is caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune and circulatory system in your body. The Mayo Clinic notes that there is no cure for lymphedema but the condition can be successfully controlled with treatment. These treatments include exercises, massage and using bandages such as KT Compression Bandages to wrap the affected limb.
Step 1
Wrap the toes or fingers first using specialized KT toe or finger bandages. The wrap should be tightest around the toes or fingers, as tight as possible without cutting off circulation. According to the Mayo Clinic, the wrap is tighter here to encourage flow up and out of the leg or arm.
Step 2
Wrap the larger KT bandage around the foot a couple of times and then begin to wrap up the leg, overlapping a bit each time in a figure-eight motion. Start with a snug fit on the foot or hand and gradually loosen the tightness of the wrap as you go up. Continue to wrap with the figure-eight motion until you reach the top of the arm or leg. In some cases, patients may wrap only to the knee or elbow if the swelling is in the extremitites. If you run out of bandage before you reach this point, simply start again at the end point with a new bandage.
Step 3
Complete the figure-eight wrap and then cover the entire figure-eight wrap with a straight wrap technique to make sure the bandages are secure and do not get caught or pulled off. Again, start tighter at the bottom of the hand or foot and gradually loosen the bandage until it is much looser at the top to encourage the fluid to flow out. The idea is that the entire leg or arm should be covered and compressed to reduce swelling.
