What is a Compression Bandage?

A compression bandage applies pressure to a specific area of the body in order to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. It provides compression and support to various body parts for quick healing. The compression provided by the bandage helps to reduce the amount of fluid that accumulates in the affected area by increasing pressure on the blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. This can help to reduce swelling and promote healing. They also provide compression for individuals with lymphedema or some other venous disorder. These compression wraps are also known as elastic bandages and are used extensively in hospitals and medical care facilities. Elastic Compression Bandages are designed to stretch and conform to the body. They are usually wrapped tightly around the affected area and are held in place with clips or Velcro fastenings.

Features of Compression Dressing

These bandages are made up of polyester, cotton, and elasticated yarn. These materials are used in varying amounts to produce bandages that differ in compression and stretch.
Tubular bandages are good for edema, strains, sprains, rib cage injuries, etc. These bandages are designed to provide consistent pressure while conforming to the body contours to help control the swelling and pain.
An elastic compression bandage is made up of flexible fabric that is designed to cling to itself and does not require any Velcro or clip to fasten. Along with regular sports injuries, strains, and sprains, it can also be used for contusions to reduce internal bleeding and for limiting swelling.
Securing hot packs or cold packs to the skin over the injured part can be aided by adhesive elasticated bandages. They are easy to work with and cling to the body without the need for frequent adjustments. They are also used for lymphedema control. They reduce the swelling caused due to edema.

When should you use a Compression Bandage?

Pressure Bandages are used to manage a variety of medical conditions, including:

Ankle injuries
Sprains and Strains
Swelling
Venous Insufficiency
Ideal for improving blood flow
Chronic Venous Ulcers
Lymphoedema
Compression Therapy

How to Apply a Compression Wrap?

Compression Bandage for Arm

Take the roll of the compression wrap.
Hold the bandage with the start of the roll facing up.
Keep the limb in a neutral position.
Start wrapping at the furthest end of a limb.
When finished, secure the end with medical tape or clip fasteners.

Compression Dressing for Wrist

Take the roll of the pressure bandage.
Hold the bandage so that the start of the roll is facing up.
Wrap at the base of the fingers and wrap the bandage around the hand between the thumb and index finger.
Continue wrapping around the hand and toward the wrist, overlapping the bandage.
Circle the wrist several times, ending about 5 to 6 inches above the wrist.
Secure the end with clip fasteners or medical tape.

Compression Wrap for Ankle

Take the bandage roll.
Keep the ankle at a roughly 90-degree angle.
Starting near the ball of the foot, wrap the bandage several times and continue wrapping until you reach the heel.
Leave the heel area and circle the bandage around the ankle.
Wrap the dressing in a figure-8 pattern, moving down toward the heel on the bottom and up toward the calf at the top.
Cover the entire foot from the base of the toes to about 5 or 6 inches above the ankle.
Secure the end with clip fasteners or tape.

Some Do's and Don'ts

Elastic bandages should only be used up to 24-48 hours after injury.
You can combine rest and ice and elevation with compression for most sports injuries.
Do combine rest and elevation with compression whenever possible.
You should avoid applying cold packs with these bandages to avoid frostbite. They are best applied separately.
Avoid wrapping bandages too tightly. You do not want to block the circulation altogether.
Elastic bandages are not meant for support. They only provide compression. In order to immobilize a wound, use splints, not compression bandages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you keep a compression bandage on?

On average, these bandages are kept on for about 48-72 hrs. It is recommended to contact a family physician for further instructions.
Should I keep a stretchable bandage on overnight?

Please remove the pressure bandage wrap at night while sleeping for the best results. If the doctor has advised against it, it is mandatory to make sure the bandage provides a snug fit and does not restrict blood flow.
How does compression help swelling?

Applying pressure to an injury helps reduce swelling by restricting the flow of blood and other fluids.
What to keep in mind while using a compression dressing?

The bandage should be snug, but it must not cut off circulation. If the bandage is wrapped around your foot or ankle, check your toes, or if it's around your wrist, check your fingers. If they become purplish or blue, cool to the touch, or numb or tingly, then the wrap is too tight and should be loosened. Make sure to loosen the wrap at night before bedtime or remove it as prescribed.

Where to buy Compression Bandages Online?

HPFY offers a vast collection of top-quality compression bandages for every situation from well-known manufacturers like Lohmann & Rauscher, Medline, BSN Medical, Covidien/Medtronic, Cardinal Health, 3M and many more. Shop now!

Popular Compression Wraps

Compression bandages provide high resistance to stretch that is caused due to pressure from internal muscle tightening and joint movement. The elasticated bandages that are mostly referred by medical and sports professionals include Cardinal Health Self-Adherent Bandages that come in various sizes and stick to themselves for great performance or the BSN Jobst Comprifore Four Layer Compression Bandage System that are designed to provide light compression for venous leg ulcers. Medline Matrix Elastic Bandages provide a convenient hook-and-loop closure at both ends and are ideal for low compression requirements.