By body part

Tubular bandage for swollen ankle and sprains

Tubular elastic support is commonly used for compression and swelling control after some ankle sprains. Swelling changes the measurement considerably, so measure the ankle as it is now.

Which size

What size tubular bandage for ankle?

Wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of the area the bandage will cover, without pulling it tight. Match that number to a size. If a dressing goes underneath, allow for the extra bulk.

Compression sleeve you can cut to size

A tubular compression sleeve for leg and ankle use is cut from a continuous roll, so you choose the length rather than accepting a fixed garment. It is a bandage sleeve without adhesive: no tape on the skin, and a compression bandage without clips or pins to dig in.

Questions

What size tubular bandage should I use for my ankle?

Sizes C, D and E cover common ankle applications:

  • Size C — fits 9–13.5″
  • Size D — fits 10.5–15.5″
  • Size E — fits 12–18″

Measure first, especially if the ankle is swollen. The size that fits a swollen ankle is not the size that fits it a week later.

Can a tubular bandage be used for an ankle sprain?

Tubular elastic support is commonly used in some sprain-management settings to provide support and help control swelling. Significant pain, inability to bear weight, or worsening symptoms should be medically assessed rather than simply treated with compression.

Can I use it for a swollen ankle?

Tubular support is frequently used for swelling associated with minor soft-tissue ankle injuries. Make sure it is correctly sized and not overly tight.

Can I wear it under a walking boot?

Tubular sleeves are sometimes used beneath orthopedic devices for skin protection and comfort. Make sure the material does not interfere with the fit or function of the boot.

How do I know if it is too tight?

Remove it if you notice numbness, tingling, unusual pain, cold toes, or blue or white discolouration. A smaller size is not automatically better.

Not sure? Measure first.

Measure while any swelling is present, not before it started. The size that fits a swollen ankle is not the size that fits it a week later.