How do you properly wrap a broken foot or ankle? Is there a right way to use an ACE bandage for foot and ankle injuries? Find out the steps to stop bleeding, protect, and compress an injured foot or ankle.

Stopping the Bleeding

If there is any bleeding involved, it’s crucial to first wash your hands and put on medical gloves (if available) before applying direct pressure to the wound. If gloves aren’t available, use many layers of clean cloth, plastic bags, or the cleanest fabric available between your hands and the wound.

To stop the bleeding, you should:

• Have the injured person lie down and elevate their foot for a full 15 minutes
• Remove any visible objects in the wound that are easy to remove
• Remove clothing and jewelry from the general area of the wound in case of swelling
• If blood soaks through the cloth, apply a clean one

Wrapping with an Elastic Cloth Bandage

To prevent further injury and encourage proper healing, you should make sure that you protect and compress your foot, as well as rest, ice, and elevate your injury. One option is to use an elastic cloth bandage.

Here are the steps for wrapping with an elastic cloth bandage:

1. Begin wrapping – place the end of the bandage where the toes meet the foot. Begin by wrapping the bandage around the ball of the foot.
2. Work your way toward the ankle – wrap the ball of the foot twice, to hold the bandage in place, then begin moving up towards the ankle, being sure to leave at least one-half inch of bandage overlapping the previous layer.
3. Wrap the ankle – when you get to the ankle, bring the end of the bandage up outside of the foot, over the instep and around the inside of the ankle. Then bring it around the heel, back up over the instep, under the foot and around the ankle. Continue making a figure eight around the ankle several times to fully stabilize the ankle.
4. Finish the wrap – the last wrap should rise several inches above the ankle to help stabilize it. Use the metal fasteners or medical tape to secure the remaining bandage. Excess bandage can also be tucked under the last layer, provided there’s not too much excess.

Wrapping with Athletic Tape

While athletic tape can also be used to wrap an injured ankle, it is primarily made to wrap an uninjured joint before physical activities to avoid injury, not to protect an already injured ankle. Here are the steps for wrapping with athletic tape:

1. Begin with an underwrap – underwrap is a non-adhesive material used to wrap the foot and ankle before tape is applied, so that the tape doesn’t pull at the surface of the skin. Starting at the ball of the foot, wind the underwrap around the foot up to the ankle, leaving the heel uncovered.
2. Secure the anchor – cut the strip of tape long enough to wrap one and a half times around your ankle. Wind it around your ankle, over the underwrap, to hold the underwrap in place.
3. Create a stirrup – place the end of a piece of tape on one side of the anchor. Bring it down under the arch of the foot and back up to the other side of the anchor. Press it lightly to secure it in place. Repeat with two more pieces of tape overlapping the first one to create a sturdy stirrup.
4. Create an X over the foot – place the end of a piece of tape at the ankle bone and run it diagonally over the top of the foot. Bring it down under the arch and toward the inside of the heel. Then bring it around the back of the heel and back up over the foot to create the other part of the X.
5. Make a figure eight – place the end of a piece of tape on the outside of the ankle, just above the bone. Run it over the top of the foot at an angle, then bring it under the arch and up the other side of the foot. Next bring it around the ankle and back to the point where you started. Use another piece of tape to make a second figure eight that overlaps the first one.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If a foot or ankle injury is serious and/or life-threatening, it’s important to call an ambulance. However, if the pain is manageable and you need help in dealing with the injury and getting back on your feet as soon as possible, be sure to get in contact with a podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon.

Importance of Proper Foot and Ankle Care

Properly caring for a foot or ankle injury is crucial to prevent further damage and promote proper healing. By following the right steps to stop bleeding, protect, and compress the injury, you can help your foot or ankle heal more quickly and get back to normal activities.

Conclusion

In summary, the key steps to properly wrap a foot or ankle injury are:

1. Stop any bleeding
2. Wrap the foot/ankle with an elastic cloth bandage or athletic tape
3. Seek medical attention if the injury is serious
4. Properly care for the injury to promote healing

By following these steps, you can help ensure your foot or ankle injury heals properly and you can get back on your feet as soon as possible.

How to Bandage and Injured Foot

Whether you’re trying to help out a friend or you’ve hurt your own foot, knowing how to properly deal with and take care of an injured foot can save you a lot of stress and problems later.

Here’s a quick how-to guide on how to properly take care of and bandage an injured foot or ankle.

How to Stop Any Bleeding

If there is any blood involved, it is important to first wash your hands and put on medical gloves (if available) before applying direct pressure to the wound. If gloves aren’t available, use many layers of clean cloth, plastic bags, or the cleanest fabric available between your hands and the wound.

In order to stop the bleeding, you should:

• Have the injured person lie down and elevate their foot for a full 15 minutes
• Remove any visible objects in the wound that are easy to remove
• Remove clothing and jewelry from the general area of the wound in case of swelling
• If blood soaks through the cloth, apply a clean one

How to Wrap an Injured Foot or Ankle

To prevent further injury and encourage proper healing, you should make sure that you protect and compress your foot, as well as rest, ice, and elevate your injury. There are a couple different types of material that you can use to wrap and compress an injured foot or ankle, including an elastic cloth bandage and athletic tape.

Wrapping with an Elastic Cloth Bandage

1. Begin wrapping—place the end of the bandage where the toes meet the foot. Begin by wrapping the bandage around the ball of the foot. Hold the end of the bandage against the ball of the foot with one hand, and use the other to bring the tail around the foot from the outside. Make sure to keep the bandage tight, but not so tight that it decreases blood flow to the foot and toes.
2. Work your way toward the ankle—wrap the ball of the foot twice, to hold the bandage in place, then begin moving up towards the ankle, being sure to leave at least one-half inch of bandage overlapping the previous layer. Make sure the layers are smooth and even with no unnecessary bulges or lumps. Start over if you need to do the job more neatly.
3. Wrap the ankle—when you get to the ankle, bring the end of the bandage up outside of the foot, over the instep and around the inside of the ankle. Then bring it around the heel, back up over the instep, under the foot and around the ankle. Continue making a figure eight around the ankle several times to fully stabilize the ankle.
4. Finish the wrap—the last wrap should rise several inches above the ankle to help stabilize it. Use the metal fasteners or medical tape to secure the remaining bandage. Excess bandage can also be tucked under the last layer, provided there’s not too much excess.

Wrapping with Athletic Tape

1. Decide if athletic tape is right for you—while athletic tape works to wrap an injured ankle, it is primarily made to wrap an uninjured joint before physical activities to avoid injury, not to protect an already injured ankle.
2. Begin with an underwrap—underwrap is a non-adhesive material used to wrap the foot and ankle before tape is applied, so that the tape doesn’t pull at the surface of the skin. Starting at the ball of the foot, wind the underwrap around the foot up to the ankle, leaving the heel uncovered.
3. Secure the anchor—cut the strip of tape long enough to wrap one and a half times around your ankle. Wind it around your ankle, over the underwrap, to hold the underwrap in place.
4. Create a stirrup—place the end of a piece of tape on one side of the anchor. Bring it down under the arch of the foot and back up to the other side of the anchor. Press it lightly to secure it in place. Repeat with two more pieces of tape overlapping the first one to create a sturdy stirrup.
5. Create an X over the foot—place the end of a piece of tape at the ankle bone and run it diagonally over the top of the foot. Bring it down under the arch and toward the inside of the heel. Then bring it around the back of the heel and back up over the foot to create the other part of the X.
6. Make a figure eight—place the end of a piece of tape on the outside of the ankle, just above the bone. Run it over the top of the foot at an angle, then bring it under the arch and up the other side of the foot. Next bring it around the ankle and back to the point where you started. Use another piece of tape to make a second figure eight that overlaps the first one. This will ensure that the wrap is held securely in place an provides enough support for the ankle to heal properly.

If a foot or ankle injury is serious and/or life-threatening, it’s important to call an ambulance. However, if the pain is manageable and you need help in dealing with the injury and getting back on your feet as soon as possible, be sure to get in contact with Dr. Vikki and Dr. Connie today.

| Board Certified Podiatrist, Foot and Ankle Surgeon & Board Certified Podiatric Physician located in Highland and Sandy, UT

Your feet and ankles are the reason you can walk upright. Together, they provide support and mobility to your body. Like any other body part, your feet and ankles can be injured. This article defines sprains and fractures, and the causes, symptoms, treatment and prevention of these injuries.

If you sprain your foot or ankle, you have injured the soft tissue. The most common type of sprain is the pulling, stretching, or tearing of the ligaments that connect bone to bone. Tendons and muscles can also be sprained. A fracture is a break or crack in the bones.

Causes

The most common cause of foot and ankle sprains and fractures are injuries. Spraining or fracturing often occurs during sports, especially during football, basketball, running, gymnastics and dancing. The impact of the running, jumping and landing can create stress fractures for runners, gymnasts, and dancers, while the quick pivots in basketball can lead to ankle sprains. Football players are susceptible to both sprains and fractures.

Another common cause of sprains and fractures in the feet is tripping or stumbling on uneven ground.

Symptoms

Several symptoms are common when you have a sprained or fractured foot or ankle. These include:

• Pain in the affected area
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Difficulty walking

Treating Sprains and Fractures at Home

Be cautious if you’ve hurt your ankle or foot. It’s better to over pamper your foot than risk exacerbating the injury. Use the acronym RICE to remember what to do:

Rest—Give your foot or ankle a break. Stay off the injured leg, and avoid walking, running, or playing sports until the ankle or foot is healed. Doing strenuous activities while injured can often make the injury worse.

Ice—Ice can decrease inflammation. Apply ice to the area as soon as possible. Leave the ice on for 15-20 minute intervals every three or four hours. Do this during the first 48 hours after the injury.

Compression—Wrap the ankle or foot with an elastic bandage, such as an Ace® wrap. The wrapping should be snug or tight, but not so tight that you cut off circulation to the foot. The compression provides additional support to the foot or ankle, but doesn’t mean you can pretend nothing is wrong while wearing the bandage.

Elevation—Use pillows or another soft, supporting object to elevate the affected foot or ankle. Try to keep your foot or ankle higher than your heart while elevating it (lay down and rest as mentioned above). Elevation of the foot and ankle decreases the swelling.

Podiatrist Care

Doctors who specialize in caring for and treating foot and ankle problems are called podiatrists. If you’ve injured a lower extremity, a visit to a podiatrist is an important step for returning to normal life (or getting back to the sport you love) as soon as possible. The podiatrist will diagnosis the seriousness and extent of the injury and create a plan of care best suited for your needs.

If you’ve been using the RICE method and are still experiencing increased pain, swelling, redness, bruising, or difficulty walking, or if it seems you aren’t healing as fast as you expected, it is imperative to visit a podiatrist.

Diagnosis and Treatment

When you visit your podiatrist, he or she will ask for a complete medical history, as well as carefully examining your feet and ankles. To determine the extent of your injury, tests will be ordered. These test may include an X-ray, ultrasound, or an MRI. X-rays are useful for finding fractures, as the fractures can be clearly visible on the X-ray. If nothing is visible on the X-ray, an ultrasound or MRI might be used to discover torn ligaments or other soft tissue injuries or stress fractures.

Once the type and extent of your injury is determined, the podiatrist will recommend treatment options. Fractures need to be reduced by lining up the ends of the bones so they will heal properly. Local anesthetic makes this a nearly painless process. If the fracture doesn’t stay in place after a reduction procedure, you may need surgery. During surgery, your podiatrist will use metal plates and screws to fix the broken bones.

If the injury is a stress fracture, immobilization of the foot and rest are the best treatment. Staying off the affected area, whether from sitting and resting or through the use of crutches or a cast or boot, will allow the bones to heal. The cast or boot will help immobilize the area.

Immobilizing the foot or ankle is also the treatment method for a sprain. You may be able to resume activity fairly quickly, but the extent of the injury determines how long you need to immobilize your foot or ankle. If the sprain is a serious one, a soft cast or special boot and crutches may be needed for a period of weeks.

Professional athletes may undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments.

To decrease swelling, inflammation, and pain, ibuprofen or other oral anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.

Prevention

To prevent ankle and foot sprains and fractures, be sure to warm up prior to physical activity. Pay attention to your surroundings to avoid tripping on uneven ground. Wearing proper shoes can also make a big difference. Athletes should talk to their podiatrist to determine which shoes are best for their sport. Reading the APMA’s footwear selection tips provides more information. Replacing athletic shoes every year is a good practice. Running shoes should be replaced every 300-400 miles.

Casting for fractures

Plaster casts are widely used in the treatment of orthopedic diseases and fractures of the bones of the upper and lower extremities. They are used to immobilize the damaged part of the body and place the bones in the correct position. Successful treatment of fractures requires complete immobilization of the juxtaposed fragments until a callus is formed. If you do not provide a tight fixation, this can lead to improper fusion of the bone, increased pain and swelling, up to complete limb dysfunction. During the treatment, the plaster cast is changed several times. The gypsum applied immediately after the reposition of the fracture, as the edema subsides, ceases to provide the necessary fixation of the fragments. Therefore, after 2-3 weeks it is changed to a circular bandage.

What are plaster splints made of?

Dressings are cotton cloth impregnated with dextrose or starch. To give stiffness, calcium sulfate hemihydrate is added, which interacts with water and releases a large amount of heat. Plaster casts are applied when wet and harden as they dry. The setting speed can be adjusted with different additives and temperature changes. For example, sodium chloride slows down the process, while alum, on the contrary, speeds it up. Gypsum hardens faster in warm water and slower in cold water.

Indications and contraindications for applying a plaster cast

Plaster bandages are used to treat simple fractures:

• shoulder;
• brushes;
• forearms;
• feet;
• ankles;
• tibia.

Plaster casts are actively used in traumatology after unstable osteosynthesis, as well as in pediatric orthopedics.

However, they should not be applied if there are infectious foci on the skin:

• phlegmon;
• purulent edema;
• gangrene and other anaerobic infections.

A plaster cast is also contraindicated in ischemic pathologies of the injured limb. Elderly patients are not given a large plaster cast (thoracobrachial, coxite, Deso).

How to apply a plaster cast

The doctor prepares all the necessary materials and equipment in advance:

• 2-4 rolls of gauze bandages 150 mm;
• 8-9 rolls of casts, 150 mm wide;
• water container;
• scissors and knife for cutting wet plaster;
• support to support the injured limb.

During the treatment of a fracture, the patient needs pain relief and muscle relaxation. It can be anesthesia plus sedation. The most commonly used topical drug.

The doctor places and holds the limb in the average physiological position, in which the parts of the bone are opposite each other, and a balance of the tone of opposite muscle groups is created. Then the specialist applies a plaster cast.

In the treatment of orthopedic conditions, the skin is first protected with a cotton pad to prevent direct contact with the cast and compress the joints. In traumatology, unlined dressings are used, which give a more reliable fixation. However, in these cases, a gauze bandage is tightly wrapped around the skin.

The plaster casts are then soaked in warm water. They are ready to be applied when air bubbles have completely stopped. After that, the assistant places bandages and splints around the limb in layers, preventing the formation of wrinkles. The rounds are placed without tension so that the next stroke of the bandage half overlaps the previous one.

In order for the plaster cast to acquire the required strength, it is customary to apply a certain number of layers:

• on the shoulder and forearm — 4–6;
• wrist joint – 8–12;
• elbow – 12–18;
• shoulder – 16-24;
• thigh and lower leg – 6-8;
• ankle – 12-16;
• knee – 18–24;
• hip joint – 24-32.

For reliable immobilization of the bone, 2–3 adjacent joints are fixed with a plaster cast. The fingers are left free to monitor the blood supply to the limb.

Modeling is carried out after 3 layers to ensure that the cast is evenly attached to the limb. Gypsum is smoothed along all contours and protrusions. During the last rounds of the bandage, the protruding part of the lining layer is wrapped in plaster and carefully smoothed down. The material usually begins to harden within 10-15 minutes, although it takes much longer to fully dry. It is important to be very careful with the cast for the first 24 to 48 hours until it has completely set. Information is applied to it with the dates of the injury, the application of the bandage and the intended removal.

X-ray control after casting should be postponed until the dressing is sufficiently dry. The examination shows whether the bones are fused in the correct position, or if a displacement has occurred.

Possible complications

During the entire period of treatment, the patient should be periodically observed by a doctor in order to prevent the development of ischemic disorders of the limb. Most often they occur on the first day after the application of gypsum.

The fracture is accompanied by hematoma and soft tissue edema. To stop these symptoms, it is recommended to give the limb an elevated position and apply cold. However, if the edema reaches a significant size, it can provoke ischemia, which is manifested by severe pain and impaired blood supply.

If this condition does not go away after 6-8 hours, cicatricial degeneration of the tendons and muscle tissue begins. Prolonged ischemia is accompanied by necrotic changes in the superficial and deep layers of the limb. To eliminate serious complications, a multi-stage surgical treatment will be required. In many cases, prolonged ischemia causes disability of the patient.

Another complication is bedsores. These are skin lesions that occur due to squeezing the limb with a plaster cast. Patients complain of severe pain and discomfort. A pad or bandage is used to prevent bedsores, but it can move.

When are splints applied?

Wide multi-layer plaster casts have been used in the treatment of fractures of the upper and lower extremities. They cover the limb by 2/3 of the circumference and provide sufficient immobilization of the bone, but do not completely cover the soft tissues. Longuets are easier to apply. In addition, they give the patient greater comfort, since cold can be applied to the limb to relieve swelling.

When applying a splint, the surgeon repositions the fracture, the technique of which is determined by the nature of the displacement of the fragments. The patient’s skin is not pretreated, covered or shaved. The gypsum is carefully modeled, smoothly, without pressure, so that the splint follows the contours of the limb. The edges are bent outward by 0.5–1 cm so that they do not press on soft tissues.

However splints do not provide the necessary stability of the limb in cases where a very secure fixation is required. Therefore, their use is limited. Recently, light plastic splints that can be wetted with water have been used in medical practice. They are usually put on instead of re-casting.

Cast control

Typically, a cast is applied for 6 to 8 weeks, although this may be longer or shorter depending on the severity and location of the injury. Tibia fractures usually take 3 to 5 months to heal completely.

Keep the cast completely dry during the entire treatment period. To do this, you can use special covers. Do not put pressure on the plaster, as this can lead to cracks and deformation. You should also not scratch the skin under the cast. This can cause micro-wounds of the epidermis and their infection.

If the cast loosens, it should be removed and replaced with a new one. In the process of re-applying bandages, the doctor checks how correctly the bones grow together.

Weight-bearing support for a cast limb should be maintained for 2-4 weeks depending on the type of fracture. Then you can give a gradual partial load on the muscles and increase it to full load for about 6 weeks.

For unstable fractures or injuries involving the knee or ankle, weight transfer should be delayed until the bone has fully healed. This is usually indicated by the patient’s ability to bear the full weight of the cast without pain. It is important to carefully check the stability of functioning after the final removal of the cast. Sometimes bone deformity can become apparent after 1 to 2 weeks of lack of support. All this time the patient needs to be under the supervision of a doctor. Delayed deformity is very difficult to correct.

Depending on the type of fracture, consider switching from a full cast to a splint.

The cast is removed with specialized scissors, knives and files. After removing the cast, the limb is washed and dried. If there are irritations on the skin, they are treated with an antiseptic solution.

Once the cast is removed, you will notice that the part of the body that was cast appears smaller and paler. This is a normal phenomenon associated with a decrease in muscle tone and a lack of ultraviolet radiation for the skin. You should be assigned a rehabilitation program that will help restore muscle strength.

Why you should contact us

Qualified doctors

Plaster casts are performed by specialists with at least 15 years of practical experience

Comprehensive approach

Patients can undergo a full course of treatment and subsequent rehabilitation with us

The latest equipment

Our specialists use modern equipment and tools

Comfortable hospital

If necessary, the patient will be placed in a comfortable ward with round-the-clock medical supervision

Adapted environment

We treat adults and children. All instruments and equipment are selected taking into account the age of the patient

Convenient location

We are easy to find. Clinic “Miracle Doctor” is located near the stations “Ploshad Ilyicha” and “Rimskaya” in Moscow.

If you suspect a fracture, you can go to the trauma center of our clinic on any day of the week. Appointments can be made by phone or online.

Fracture First Aid: Do’s and Don’ts

Likbez

Health

January 23, 2019

Let’s be honest, there isn’t much you can do. But even a small thing can sometimes save a life.

Cracked or broken bone (no matter where: in the arm, leg, ribs, pelvis…) is not always obvious. Meanwhile, its sharp edges, hidden under the skin and inside tissues, can disrupt the integrity of large blood vessels or even pierce vital organs. Therefore, although in most cases fractures are not life-threatening, it is better not to joke with them. They always require professional medical attention.

Depending on the severity of the injury, either go to the emergency room or call an ambulance.

How to tell if it’s a broken bone

It often disguises itself as normal bruises or minor injuries. But there are signs that point to a fracture. Here they are:

1. You just fell, hit hard, or were otherwise injured.
2. The injured area is very sore, especially when moving.
3. Sometimes the pain is moderate, but the injured area becomes numb.
4. There is a large purple bruise (this is a sign of extensive hemorrhage) and swelling.
5. There is a visible deformity: hand, foot, finger take on an unnatural position or take on an unhealthy curve. A very obvious symptom is when a broken bone breaks through the skin and its sharp edges are visible to the naked eye.
6. When the skin is torn, there is severe bleeding.

It is not necessary that all the listed symptoms coincide. For example, with an injury to the ribs or pelvis, the deformity may not be noticeable, although a fracture in these areas is extremely dangerous. But, if you counted at least four points, most likely it is him. We must take urgent action.

When to call an ambulance

You can understand that a fracture is life threatening by a number of signs:

1. The bone has pierced the skin, splinters are visible.
2. Bleeding is very profuse, or subcutaneous hematoma grows rapidly. This is a symptom that a person is losing a lot of blood.
3. Even a light touch on the affected area causes acute pain.
4. Limb or joint appears visibly deformed.
5. Fingers, hand or foot numb to complete loss of sensation and / or turned blue.
6. The victim does not answer questions, is not breathing or moving.
7. You suspect that the bones of the neck, head, or back may have been damaged in the injury.

Even if the injury seems insignificant to you and you, after checking the symptoms, only assume a fracture, we remind you that at least a visit to the emergency room or a traumatologist is mandatory.

Only a specialist can assess the actual extent of damage and eliminate the danger to vital vessels, nerve endings or organs. Most likely, this will require an x-ray.

How to give first aid for a fracture

The sequence of actions may vary depending on the specific situation. If a person screams in pain, first he needs to be given an anesthetic drug. If the sensations are tolerable, but a lot of blood flows from the wound, then first of all a tourniquet should be applied and only after that proceed to other first aid items.

Calm down

To overcome shock, it is important for both the victim and the one who helps him to breathe correctly – deeply and measuredly. Remember: very soon the doctors will take care of the fracture.

Try not to move the injured area

While you are waiting for an ambulance or driving to the emergency room, try to keep the injured part of your body still.

If a fracture of the bones of the neck, head or back is suspected, no movement is allowed! Otherwise, new injuries are possible.

Stop the bleeding

Stop the bleeding, if any. Apply a sterile dressing or clean cloth (this can be clothing) to the wound to block any bleeding.

For extremities, a tourniquet can be used. Tightly pull them off the arm or leg a few centimeters above the wound. Be sure to put a note under the tourniquet indicating the exact time of application.

Splint

If the limbs are injured, immobilize the joints above and below the suspected fracture as much as possible. As a rule, for this, a splint is applied – a board, a ruler, a rod, a rolled-up magazine or newspapers …

The splint must be tightly, but not tightly fixed with bandages, plaster or tape. You can see how to do it in this simple video:

Relieve the pain

Pain medication can be given, as strong as you can get. For example, based on ibuprofen, paracetamol or ketorolac.

To reduce swelling and relieve pain, apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel or other piece of cloth to the injured area.