Navy Skills for Life – First Aid Training – Sprained Ankle

Summary

This guide covers how to properly wrap a sprained ankle. First, avoid moving the ankle too much and be mindful of swelling. If wearing a boot that supports the ankle, leave it in place but ensure it's tight. If not, remove the shoe. Using an elastic bandage, start wrapping above the ankle to create an anchor. Control the bandage as you wrap from top to bottom, then return to the top. Secure the excess material and check for proper blood flow by pressing the nail bed to ensure pinkness returns. This ensures a safe and effective wrap.

Takeaways

• 🦶 Avoid moving the ankle too much to prevent further injury.
• ⚠️ Swelling is expected, so be mindful when handling the injured area.
• 👢 If the shoe or boot supports the ankle and goes above it, leave it on tightly.
• ❗ Don't apply too much pressure to the injured ankle.
• 👟 If no supporting boot is available, carefully remove the shoe.
• 🩹 Use an elastic bandage to wrap the foot, starting above the ankle to create an anchor.
• 🔄 Control the bandage tightly to prevent it from becoming too loose.
• ⬇️ Wrap the bandage from the top of the ankle down to the foot, then back up.
• 📏 Tuck the remaining bandage material under the last strip for a secure finish.
• 💉 After wrapping, check for blood flow by pressing the nail bed and ensuring color returns to the toe.

Q & A

What should be the first step when dealing with a sprained ankle?

The first step is to avoid moving the ankle too much and observe for swelling.

What should you do if the person is wearing a boot that goes above the ankle?

If there is a boot above the ankle, you should leave it in place and ensure it’s tight, but not too tight to restrict blood flow.

When is it appropriate to remove the shoe from the injured foot?

If the person is not wearing a boot, you can go ahead and remove the shoe carefully.

How should you begin wrapping the foot with an elastic bandage?

Start wrapping above the ankle to create an anchor point for the bandage.

Why is it important to control the tension of the bandage while wrapping?

Maintaining control ensures the bandage doesn’t become too loose, providing proper support without cutting off circulation.

What direction should you wrap the bandage around the foot?

You should wrap the bandage starting at the top of the foot and work your way down to the bottom.

What should you do with the excess material after wrapping the foot?

Use the excess material to wrap back up towards the ankle, tucking it under the last strip of bandage for a secure fit.

How can you check for proper blood flow after wrapping the ankle?

Press down on the nail bed of the foot and ensure that the pink color returns, indicating good blood flow.

What could happen if the bandage is wrapped too tightly?

Wrapping the bandage too tightly can restrict blood flow, which can lead to complications.

What are the signs that the ankle wrap was applied correctly?

The bandage should be snug but not too tight, secure without excess movement, and blood flow should be normal as indicated by the pink color returning after pressing on the nail bed.