What is the correct method for applying an elastic ankle wrap?

• A. Position the heel, wrap from distal to proximal in a figure-eight or stirrup pattern, ensure comfortable compression without cutting off circulation, and reassess distal pulses.
• B. Start at the toes and wrap toward the knee with full compression.
• C. Wrap only around the ankle without heel support.
• D. Apply a uniform circular bandage with no pattern.

Answer: (A)

An elastic ankle wrap should provide stable support and edema control without restricting circulation. Placing the heel to anchor the wrap gives a secure base, and wrapping from distal to proximal in a figure-eight or stirrup pattern distributes pressure across the ankle and along the malleoli, creating both medial-lateral stability and upward compression. The goal is comfortable compression that supports the joint but never tight enough to cut off blood flow, so you would reassess distal pulses after applying the wrap to ensure circulation remains intact. Starting at the toes and moving toward the knee with full compression risks squeezing the toes too much and can compromise circulation. Wrapping only around the ankle misses key support areas, and a uniform circular bandage without a patterned approach tends to shift or slip and won’t provide the same combination of stabilization and edema control.