Best Ankle Compression Sleeve For Swelling

Should You Compression Wrap a Swollen Ankle?

Yes, you can wrap a swollen ankle with compression.

• Reduction of Swelling

Compression wraps apply pressure to the swollen area around the ankle. This external pressure helps to push the excess fluid that has accumulated in the tissues back into the bloodstream and lymphatic system. By facilitating the drainage of this fluid, the visible swelling of the ankle can be decreased, making it look and feel less puffy. It can also prevent further fluid buildup by limiting the amount of fluid that can seep into the tissues from the bloodstream, thus helping to stabilize the level of swelling and start the recovery process. 

• Enhanced Stability

A swollen ankle is often weaker and more prone to accidental movements or re-injury. The compression ankle wrap brace acts as a supportive structure around the ankle joint, holding it in place to a certain degree. This helps to restrict excessive or abnormal movements like twisting or bending that could exacerbate the existing injury or cause additional damage to the ligaments, muscles, or bones in the ankle area. It provides a sense of security and stability, which is particularly important when you start to move around, allowing for more confident and controlled mobility during the healing process. 

• Pain Relief

By reducing swelling, the compression wrap alleviates the pressure on the nerves and other sensitive tissues in the ankle. This can lead to a significant reduction in pain levels, making it more bearable for the person with the swollen ankle to perform daily activities or even just rest comfortably. The support it offers also helps to distribute the body's weight more evenly across the ankle when standing or walking, reducing the strain on the already affected and painful areas, further contributing to pain relief. 

• Improved Circulation

Appropriate compression can enhance blood circulation in the ankle region. The pressure from the wrap encourages blood to flow back towards the heart more efficiently, which is beneficial for delivering oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues and promoting their repair. Better circulation also aids in the removal of waste products from the tissues, which can speed up the overall healing process of the swollen ankle.