Your ankle bones and the bottom portions of your two lower leg bones comprise your ankle joint, according to MedLine Plus. Ligaments help support your ankle, while muscles and tendons allow for movement. But your ankles are susceptible to injury. The most common types include sprains and fractures. You can also sustain damage to your tendons and cartilage. Bandaging an injured ankle can help bring pain relief, reduce swelling and provide support for your ankle as it heals.
Step 1
Visit your doctor. Bandaging is often done for support of sprained ankles, or ligament damage. Your doctor can rule out more serious problems, such as a fracture, which could require a cast or surgery.
Step 2
Clean your affected ankle with soap and water. Males may want to consider shaving the ankle to prevent tape from sticking to hair on the leg.
Step 3
Use felt that is 1-by-4 inches to 3-by-8 inches thick to cut two horseshoe-shape pads. Apply the pads to each side of your foot. Place the pad around the outside of your ankle joint with the open end facing up. Use a few small pieces of adhesive tape to secure the felt pads.
Step 4
Wrap an elastic bandage around your ankle. Start at the top and work your way down around the ball of your foot in a figure-eight fashion. Leave your heel and toes exposed.
Step 5
Reinforce your elastic bandage with adhesive athletic tape or medical tape. Run a layer of athletic tape around your elastic bandage in a figure-eight fashion. Leave your toes and heel exposed.
Things You'll Need
- Elastic bandage
- Adhesive medical or athletic tape
- 2 pieces felt
