What are calf wraps?
Calf wraps are damp cool wraps around the lower legs, extending from the heels to below the knees. The wraps, moistened in cool water, are wrapped with two additional layers of fabric for optimal effect.
How do calf wraps work?
Calf wraps lower body temperature through a simple mechanism: the cool moisture of the wrap evaporates on the patient’s warm skin. The evaporative cooling removes heat from the body. In this way, the body temperature can be lowered by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Compared with other temperature-lowering applications such as cold ablutions, calf wraps are considered to be particularly gentle on the circulation.
The cold stimulus triggered by the calf wrap also has an effect on the autonomic nervous system: the vessels are made tighter, blood pressure rises, and metabolism and circulation are stimulated.
However, if cool calf wraps are left on the skin long enough to become warm and reach body temperature, the opposite effect occurs. Then they stimulate the autonomic nervous system to dilate the vessels, which has a relaxing effect.
How are calf wraps made?
This is how you proceed:
- For the first layer, soak two thin linen or cotton towels (for example, kitchen towels, or cloth handkerchiefs for toddlers) in cool water*, wring them out gently, and wrap one towel tightly around each calf.
- As a second layer, you can place two dry cotton towels, for example, around the wet wraps.
- The final layer is a warming layer. For this, for example, scarves or blankets made of wool are suitable.
* For adults and older children, cool water means piping cold water with a temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. For calf compresses with the infant is suitable best hand-warm water (approximately 28 to 32 degrees Celsius). Ice-cold water, on the other hand, is not advisable under any circumstances – it would put too much strain on the circulation!
Never cover calf wraps with aluminum foil or cling film. This is because the air-impermeable film prevents the heat from being dissipated. This can quickly lead to heat accumulation.
Calf wrap with additives
For vinegar compresses, simply add some vinegar essence to the water. Five tablespoons of vinegar essence to one liter of water is recommended. Then proceed as described above.
The anti-inflammatory effect of cold calf compresses can be enhanced with clay or healing earth. To do this, coat the damp cloths about a knife’s thickness with cool clay or healing earth slurry and apply the calf compresses as described.
How are calf wraps applied?
Calf wraps should be applied while lying down. It is also important to keep the rest of the body warm, especially the feet. Thick socks and a warming bedspread help with this. However, this should not be spread over the lower legs, so that the heat can be sufficiently dissipated.
Before applying the calf wraps, you should place a waterproof pad under the patient’s legs so that the bed sheet and mattress do not become damp.
When applying, be careful not to wrap the fabric layers too tightly. Otherwise, blood circulation in the lower legs will be impeded.
Calf wrap – how often and for how long?
If the treated person feels uncomfortable, freezing or shivering, you should remove the calf wraps immediately.
You can repeat the application of calf wraps three to four times. After that, you should take a break. Check the patient’s temperature at the end of the treatment.
For what ailments do calf wraps help?
Calf wraps help with fever, local inflammation and inner restlessness.
Calf compresses for fever
Calf wraps for fever are considered very effective. They quickly lower the elevated temperature and relieve accompanying symptoms such as headache and general malaise. However, they should only be used at body temperatures of 39 degrees and above. This is because fever is not a disease, but a natural reaction of the body that helps the immune system fight off pathogens. If it is suppressed, this can make the natural healing process more difficult.
If the fever persists for a long time, you should always seek medical advice. In most cases, it is only a harmless cold virus. However, there may also be more serious causes!
Calf compresses for inflammation
Cold calf compresses can also have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect on rheumatic complaints as well as osteoarthritis.
Calf compresses for inner restlessness
Calf wraps have a calming and relaxing effect if they are left on for a long time, for example overnight. Then they can also be used as a sleep aid.
Calf compresses for children
Pediatricians often recommend calf compresses as a gentle way to reduce fever in children. However, you should keep a few points in mind:
- Do not use calf compresses on a child until the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
- Apply calf compresses only when the child’s skin is warm.
- Use hand-warm water for the calf wraps.
- Stay with the child to notice any discomfort immediately.
- Do not leave calf wraps on for more than 10 minutes.
- Remove calf wraps immediately if the child is cold or uncomfortable.
Some experts recommend that calf wraps not be used on babies until they are 18 months old. It is best to ask your pediatrician before using calf wraps on babies.
When is calf wrapping not recommended?
Calf wraps should not be used on:
- chills
- cold legs, arms, feet, hands
- Circulatory disorders of the legs
- fever below 39 degrees Celsius (in children below 40 degrees Celsius)
- urinary tract infections
- problems with the sciatic nerve
- Allergies to additives used, such as vinegar or healing clay. If you are unsure if you are allergic, test a small amount of the additive on the skin of the crook of your arm first.
Home remedies have their limitations. If the complaints persist over a longer period of time, do not get better or even get worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.
