An Ace bandage is an elastic bandage usually between 2 and 6 inches wide and 4 and 6 feet long. The purpose of applying an Ace bandage to an extremity is to provide uniform, but gentle pressure to an area, in order to give it support or ease swelling in the area. An Ace bandage can also be used to hold a dressing for a wound in place, as well as a splint or a hot or cold compress.

Wrapping an Ace Bandage

You'll first need to decide where to start. If you need to support the ankle, start wrapping below it on the foot. However, if you need to wrap a knee, you can start wrapping above the ankle, well-below the sight that requires support. If you can clean the area first, that is ideal. Whether cleaned or not, be sure the area to be wrapped is dry. A wet (or sweaty) ankle could get chafed or irritated under the bandage. Hold the rolled part of the Ace bandage with your dominant hand and place the loose end over the ankle or foot. Hold the loose end and wrap over it twice with the rolled end, keeping it in place--this will be your "anchor." Wrap the rest of the bandage over the affected area, wrapping in a figure 8 pattern (alternating angles) and leaving the affected area, if it is a joint, out of the wrap. Cross the bandage over the foot, moving upward, and pass it behind the ankle (if doing an ankle), and then repeat this motion several times until you are out of bandage. Don't let the bandage wrinkle at any time during the wrapping. If it does, unwrap to the wrinkling point and re-wrap, smoothly. An ankle, knee or elbow should stick out of the bandage--a wrist should not. The bandage should be tighter at the lower part of the wrap in order to provide more support. Check frequently to see if the bandage is too tight. If you begin to feel "pins-and-needles" in your fingers or toes, you may be cutting off circulation. After wrapping the bandage, secure it with Velcro, tape or the metal clips that have come with the bandage. Check fingers or toes to make sure there is no discoloration or any other signs of circulation loss.

Source:

Cornell University: Health Advice: Wrapping an Ace Bandage

Drugs.com: How to Use an Ace Wrap

More Information:

How to Wrap an Ankle with an Ace Bandage