What is a compression bandage?
A compression bandage is a wrapping bandage that is placed around the leg with elastic fabric bandages. It supports the return flow of blood from the deep leg veins to the heart. The absorption of tissue fluid into the lymphatic vessels is also promoted by the compression bandage. A distinction is made between different techniques for compression therapy:
- Compression according to Pütter
- Compression according to Fischer
- Compression with grain ear bandage
A compression bandage can be applied by a physician as well as by appropriately trained nursing staff.
When is a compression bandage applied?
Compression bandages are generally applied, for example, after operations to prevent water retention (edema) and blood clots (thrombosis). It is used in the following constellations:
- Fluid accumulation in the tissue (edema)
- Varicose veins
- Chronic venous insufficiency
- Thrombophlebitis (inflammation of veins with formation of blood clots)
- Prevention of blood clot formation
- Condition following blood clots in the deep veins of the leg
- Lower leg ulcer (ulcus cruris, “open leg”)
Compression bandage or compression stocking?
Both the compression bandage and the compression stocking promote the return flow of venous blood and lymph fluid from the legs to the trunk of the body. The compression bandage is initially good at decongesting swollen legs because it adjusts to the current swelling state of the leg with each wrapping. The compression stocking can be put on more easily, i.e. also by the patient himself. Thus, the stocking is often used in long-term therapy.
What is done during compression therapy?
First, the patient undresses so that the legs can be treated and lies on his back. The physician now lifts the leg and angles the patient’s foot at the ankle joint by 90°.
Compression bandage: wrapping technique according to Pütter
Compression bandage: Fischer wrapping technique and grain ear bandage
In the Fischer wrapping technique, the cloth bandages are placed in a strict spiral around the leg, while in the grain ear bandage, the bandages run around the leg in an octagonal shape.
Correct application of compression bandages
In principle, a compression bandage should be applied according to the following pattern:
- The individual bandages must overlap and should be free of wrinkles.
- The ankle joint should be positioned at right angles.
- The contact pressure of the fabric bandages should decrease from the foot to the knee.
- The bandage should not cause pressure points, lacerations or pain.
- The heel should be covered.
- Sensitive areas of the body, such as bony prominences, should be adequately padded with absorbent cotton.
What are the risks of a compression bandage?
If the bandage is applied too tightly, blood supply to the leg is poor and tissue may die (necrosis). In addition, pressure damage to nerves can occur. Disturbances in the sense of touch, numbness or painful tingling are the result. To avoid complications, the doctor checks the dressing regularly.
When applying the compression bandage, you should already check whether the bandage presses, cuts or causes pain. To do this, walk around for a while and then check again whether the bandage has slipped or is wrapped too tightly. Watch out for tingling or numbness – they can be a sign of insufficient blood supply to the leg. If you experience any discomfort, you should inform your doctor quickly. If the swelling of the leg has subsided over time, the doctor may prescribe custom-made compression stockings instead of the compression bandage.
