A compression bandage is a stretchable material designed to apply controlled pressure to a limb or another area of the body. This pressure serves to contain swelling and provide external support to underlying soft tissues. The bandage is typically a long strip of elasticized fabric wrapped around the affected area and secured with clips or self-adhering layers.
How Compression Bandages Work
Compression therapy applies external mechanical pressure that counteracts internal fluid dynamics. This force effectively reduces the diameter of veins and capillaries, increasing the velocity of blood flow back toward the heart. By narrowing the vessels, the bandage helps prevent blood from pooling in the extremities, a condition known as venous stasis.
The applied pressure also inhibits the leakage of fluid from capillaries into the interstitial space, which causes edema or swelling. Compression also supports the lymphatic system, assisting the movement of lymphatic fluid that carries waste and excess fluid away from tissues. In the lower limbs, the bandage works with the calf muscle pump, providing a rigid wall for contracting muscles to push against, maximizing fluid return efficiency.
Common Uses for Pressure Wraps
Compression wraps are used in the immediate treatment of acute soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains, as a component of the R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) protocol. The pressure helps limit initial swelling and internal bleeding at the injury site, accelerating the healing process. The bandage provides mild support to the joint or muscle while the body begins its repair phase.
Beyond acute injuries, compression is a standard management tool for various chronic circulatory conditions. It manages mild to moderate edema and lymphedema by preventing fluid re-accumulation in the limbs. For deep vein thrombosis (DVT), compression is often recommended for high-risk individuals or after a clot has been treated to prevent post-thrombotic syndrome. Patients with venous insufficiency, where blood collects in the leg veins, also use compression to improve circulation and reduce associated pain and leg heaviness.
Distinguishing Between Bandage Types
Compression materials are categorized based on elasticity, which dictates pressure application. Long-stretch bandages, commonly known as elastic or “Ace” wraps, contain elastic yarn allowing them to stretch more than 100% of their original length. These deliver a high resting pressure, exerting constant pressure even when the limb is inactive, making them suitable for sprains.
Conversely, short-stretch bandages are relatively inelastic, often made of cotton fibers, stretching less than 100% of their length. They provide a low resting pressure but a high working pressure—a powerful, pump-like compression created when underlying muscles contract during movement. This dynamic pressure makes them the preferred choice for managing chronic conditions like venous ulcers and lymphedema, as they support the natural muscle pump.
Specialized options include cohesive wraps, which stick only to themselves without adhesive, making them easy to apply and remove without irritating skin or hair. For long-term management of chronic conditions, compression garments like socks and stockings offer a consistent, graduated level of pressure that is more discreet and easier to wear daily than traditional bandaging.
Correct Application and Safety
Proper application of a compression bandage ensures therapeutic effect and prevents complications. The correct technique involves starting the wrap at the point farthest from the heart, or the distal end of the limb, and wrapping toward the body’s core, or the proximal end. Each turn should overlap the previous layer by approximately 50% to create a smooth, consistent layer of graduated pressure.
The tension should be firm and supportive but never tight enough to cause discomfort or restrict circulation. A bandage that is too tight can cause serious issues by cutting off blood flow or compressing nerves. Warning signs include numbness, tingling, a pale or bluish color, or coldness in the toes or fingers below the bandage. If these symptoms appear, the bandage must be immediately loosened and re-applied with less tension, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist.