How to Wrap an Elastic Bandage for Thigh Compression

Many people think of elastic bandages as a cover for a wound or an injury. Sometimes when people experience long periods of inactivity, the circulation on the legs suffers and it is possible to develop blood clots that could travel through the body and into the lungs. This could cause a stroke or an aneurysm, which could lead to death. Wrapping an elastic bandage around the thighs correctly is one preventative measure against emboli or blood clots.

Place the heel block on the floor and have the patient stand on top of it with the injured leg. The patient’s toes should touch the floor while his heel rests on the block.

Hold the bandage horizontally. Place the bandage against the front of the patient’s thigh, just above the knee.

Wrap the bandage around the right side of the thigh until the bandage overlaps the starting point. The bandage should travel behind the patient's leg and come up next to the left side of the leg. Continue wrapping the bandage around the leg in a clockwise motion, wrapping up the thigh and then down the thigh until you get to the end of the bandage.

Wrap elastic tape around the edge of the loose end of the bandage. The tape should wrap all around the leg four times along the edge of the bandage. Cut off the tape with scissors when you are done wrapping.

Rip a strip of trainer’s tape to secure the ends of the elastic tape. The tape should go across only the front half of the patient’s leg.

Put another length of trainer’s tape, about 2 inches, just below the knee along the front of the patient’s knee.

Tips

Keep extra bandages in stock so you can change the wrapping between washings.

Warnings

Do not wrap the bandage too tightly or you may cut off the circulation in the leg.