A highly common injury, a sprained ankle results when the ankle is twisted or rolled awkwardly, stretching or even tearing the ankle's connective tissue, or ligaments. Tape, wrapped properly around the ankle, can provide viable first aid protection and support in preparation for proper examination by a physician.
Step 1
Use scissors to cut a U-shape out of felt (at least a quarter-inch thick), large enough to fit around your ankle bone. This felt will provide your ankle with extra support underneath the bandage and tape. You can usually buy thick felt at a craft or home supplies store, a hardware store or a pharmacy. Alternately, you may use a soft foam pad, cut into the same shape; foam is also available at the aforementioned locations.
Step 2
Place the felt pad around your ankle bone, the U-shape right side up.
Step 3
Wrap an elastic bandage around the ankle and upper foot, in a figure-eight pattern. Don't wrap too tightly; you don't want to impede blood flow.
Step 4
Finish wrapping the foot with the bandage, taking care to leave the heel completely uncovered. Be sure that you have wrapped your ankle and upper foot with at least three or four layers of bandage.
Step 5
Wrap the foot again (including the ankle), this time with adhesive tape. Be sure to cover completely the ends of the bandage. The tape will hold the bandage in place while simultaneously reinforcing it. Again, leave the heel uncovered.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Felt
- Elastic bandage
- Adhesive tape
