Do not apply ice or heat directly to the skin. If it's too tight, it can cut off blood flow to the injured area and cause swelling. Swelling from knee injuries can impact your range of motion in the joint and make it difficult to walk. Cover the knee with light clothing to protect the skin. Clean and dress the wound before applying any type of wrap, splint, or other support. Short Stretch Bandages, the kind that should be used for Lymphedema, have a high working pressure and a low resting pressure. If mobility is an issue, consider using a crutch, a cane, or another assistive device to keep pressure off the leg while you recover from a knee injury. Apply an ice or cold pack right away to prevent or minimize swelling. 8 You can help reduce swelling by applying cold therapy several times a day and wearing an elastic bandage or brace. Reduce Swelling Ice (as much as possible) (15-20 minutes, 2-3 times per day) acutely 20 minute Icing every 2 hours for first 48 hours after injury . When should I wear the bandages? HOW TO USE AN ELASTIC BANDAGE THE RIGHT WAY - Elastic bandages should not be used over an open wound. Typically, you leave the bandage on during the times you’re not applying ice. This is the reason why medical experts advice to not have them on for a long time and to take them off when it’s time to sleep. the swelling • Help . This means that when a person is up and about or exercising, the bandages are actively applying solid pressure to move fluid and reduce the swelling. If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat to the area that hurts. Pain And Swelling Are Gouts Calling Cards. the swelling from getting worse • Help. - Control swelling around an injured joint - Hold an ice pack in place - Secure a splint after a fracture or severe sprain - Keep other bandages secure and protected. A properly wrapped Ace bandage helps reduce injury, pain and swelling. The most frequent signs of a gout attack are swelling, tenderness, redness, and a sharp pain in your big toe. While compression bandages reduce swelling, in turn, they also restrict fluid from coming in. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day. firm, swollen tissue. Wrap the bandage firmly but not too tightly. An improperly wrapped bandage can make an injury more painful and result in increased swelling and discomfort. While gout usually manifests in the big toe, you may also experience gout attacks in your foot, ankle, or knees. Is This an Emergency? • Wear your bandages for a few hours a day. Ice. reduce. These attacks are most common at night when you are sitting still and laying flat on your back. Slowly increase the amount of time you wear them during the day. Then place ice bags on top and over sides of knees. soften. Place a towel over the cold or heat pack before applying it to the skin. prevent. If you have lymphedema, you should: • Wear your bandages during the day and when you exercise. Cold will reduce pain and swelling. Exactly how long they should be on for is dependent on the severity of the injury.