Compression bandages are simply bandages that apply compressive pressure to a limb. They are tubular in shape, with lateral elastic rings within the bandage that exert pressure. Compression bandages are available in several different compressive strengths, which are used to treat conditions of different severities. Bandages with stronger elasticity are used only in the most serious of cases, as prolonged usage can cause problems.
Application of Compression Bandages
Compression bandages can be applied in almost any situation that requires a limb to be compressed. For example, muscle strains and ligament sprains that require rest, ice, compression and elevation benefit from the use of compression bandages, as they help to encourage blood-flow away from the affected area, reducing swelling. This reduction of swelling also makes the bandages useful for treating varicose veins and venous ulcers.
Light and Moderate Compression Bandages
Light compression bandages are used to manage varicose veins and varicosis in their early stages. Their compression pressure of 20 millimeters of Mercury---or mmHg---renders them unsuitable for treating pre-existing venous ulcers and oedemas. Moderate compression bandages exert a pressure of around 30 mmHg and are used to control mild oedemas and treat varicose veins of medium severity.
High and Extra-High Compression Bandages
High compression bandages exert a compressive pressure of around 40 mmHg and are used to treat existing ulcers and large-scale oedemas. They are also used to regulate and improve blood-flow following a clot. Extra-high compression bandages can exert in excess of 50 mmHg and are used in the most extreme cases of limb oedema and venous ulcers. They are also used in cases where sustained pressure is required on unusually large limbs.
Short-stretch and Long-stretch Bandages
Compression bandages are available in short-stretch compression and long-stretch compression versions. The properties of short-stretch bandages allow them to shorten around a limb, giving them a low resting pressure. These types of bandages are commonly used for long periods of treatment, as they are considered unlikely to exert too much pressure and cause a disorder like necrosis. Long-stretch bandages can be easily adjusted to exert different levels of pressure, but must be removed at night or when the patient is resting due to their high levels of resting compression.
Tags: bandages exert, compression bandages exert, mmHg used, varicose veins, venous ulcers