Ankle bandage: types, indications, reviews
The ankle is most often injured. This joint can withstand heavy loads. The greater the weight of a person, the higher the risk of an ankle injury. The joint is almost always under tension. As a result, the cartilage quickly wears out. In this case, the ankle gradually loses stability due to changes in the surrounding tissues.
How to solve the problem
At the first signs of this ailment, experts recommend wearing an ankle stop. It allows you to reduce the load on the joint, ligaments and muscles. In addition, the bandage protects cartilage tissue from further destruction.
It should be noted that the purpose of any fixator should be done only by a doctor. To choose a bandage for the ankle should be in accordance with the recommendations of a specialist. After all, these products are items of medical purpose. They are usually used for the prevention or treatment of diseases associated with the joint.
When you need to wear a lock
An ankle bandage is prescribed only if there are certain diseases and tissue damage. To such situations it is necessary to carry:
- postoperative period;
- injuries obtained after removal of gypsum langets;
- therapy of arthritis or arthrosis;
- functional joint instability;
- sprain;
- increased physical exertion, for example, with prolonged work or intense training in a particular sport, especially such a bandage is necessary for those who have been standing for a long time;
- pathology of the foot and ankle congenital.
Each of these cases requires an individual approach, as well as the correct choice of the latch. If the bandage is picked up incorrectly, then it can worsen the condition of the joint tissues. 
Purpose and types of
How to choose the right ankle bandage? Among the large assortment of latches it is difficult to choose the one that is required. Each band model is used only in certain cases. Therefore, before buying it is worth consulting with a doctor, and get at least some idea of the types of such a fixer. At the moment there are:
- Ankle bandage on the ankle joint is elastic or rigid. The first type of fixative is used for injuries of medium and mild severity. At the moment there are several types of this dressing.
- Safety lock. It is used with open fractures. Such bandages have a bactericidal effect and can protect the open wounds from dirt and dust. In addition, the retainer does not allow moisture.
- Medicinal bandage. Outwardly, the retainer resembles a bandage made of bandages. The material is impregnated with certain drugs that promote wound healing. Compression bandage for the ankle joint. It is also called pressing. Such a fixator is often used in cases of hemarthrosis, when blood accumulates in the joint after injury. The bandage helps to stop bleeding, which can occur as a result of damage to small vessels.
- Immobilizing fixator is prescribed for stretching, correcting dislocation and bruising. Most often, these products are used in sports medicine. The retainer allows you to provide the joint with complete rest, as well as reduce pain.
Features of a choice of rigid bandage
The assortment of similar production is very great and various. If desired, you can buy a bandage on the ankle joint with lacing or with special fasteners. The latter can be made in the form of ties or straps. Most often, these fasteners are equipped with a rigid retainer, which has a frame of solid and hard material. If the choice is unsuccessful, then this bandage can re-injure the joint. When choosing a product, it is worth considering:
- the severity of the injury and its nature;
- features anatomical structure;
- susceptibility to allergic reactions;
- concomitant diseases;
- material used to make the frame;
- type of fastener;
- shank girth, ankle and ankle circumference, and foot size.
A rigid bandage can cause re-injury of tissues. This is dangerous with dislocations. After all, if the therapy is incorrect, the dislocation can become a habit.
What to look for when choosing a product
When buying a bandage on the ankle alone, there are several factors to consider. First of all, you should read the instructions that come with the kit. All contraindications and indications are indicated in it. In addition, the manual describes the material that was used to make the fixator, and also how correctly and in what cases the bandage is used.
If you independently choose a bandage on the ankle, then it is worthwhile to study information about possible side effects and contraindications. 
Who should not wear an ankle retainer
Despite the fact that an ankle bandage is used to prevent and treat certain diseases and injuries, it has a number of contraindications. They should be found out before buying and using a similar product. It is not necessary to apply a bandage when:
- skin diseases, including dermatitis, localized on the place of wearing a bandage;
- phlebitis;
- arterial occlusion;
- venous ulcer;
- trophic ulcer developing on the background of diabetes mellitus;
- of thromboembolic disease.
Features of application
The ankle retainer is allowed not only on bare skin, but also on linen made of cotton fabric. It is not recommended to constantly walk with a bandage. After 6 hours of wearing, the retainer should be removed and then treated with an antiseptic preparation or washed in warm water with soap. After this, you need to take a short break - 30 minutes. After the specified time, you can re-wear it.
At the end
At the moment, ankle bandages are considered effective and reliable in the prevention and treatment of many ailments of articular tissues. A wide selection allows you to choose a product that will be ideally suited for all parameters. Before starting the use of such fixatives, it is necessary to visit the attending physician. After all, in some situations, there is a need for a cast bandage. It reliably protects damaged joint tissues, muscles and ligaments from further damage in case of disturbances in bed rest. It is for this reason that the consultation of a traumatologist is required. Do not forget that the wrong product can cause serious complications.