Ankle - compression bandage on the

Compression bandage on the ankle

Your ankle has been bound with a compression bandage. In this leaflet, you will find advice that will help your recovery.  

Advice

• In order to prevent more swelling around the ankle, you must not remove the compression bandage until your next appointment in the Outpatients’ Department.
• The bandage must not get wet. You can cover the bandaged ankle with a plastic bag whilst you take a shower. However, it would be preferable to get a specially-designed plastic cover obtainable from the chemist (apotheek). You can also order this cover direct from a firm called Lomed (telephone number: 073 - 641 74 64).
• You should keep your ankle in a raised position both day and night. This helps to reduce the swelling and the pain. Keeping the ankle raised means that the ankle and the lower leg should be higher than the hip. You can do this by putting two cushions/pillows under your leg and, when you are in bed, putting these under the mattress.
• In order to speed up the recovery of the ankle ligaments, you must totally rest these ligaments the first vew days.
• When you are allowed to walk again, you should use crutches. These can be borrowed from the Accident and Emergency Department (Spoedeisende Hulp). Crutches can also be rented free from your local “Thuiszorgwinkel” (details below).
• At your first follow-up appointment in the Outpatients’ Department, your ankle will probably be taped with a plaster bandage that gives support to the ankle ligaments. You will now be permitted to put weight on your ankle but we advise you that you should not yet take part in any sport.
• We suggest you bring a comfortable pair of lace-up shoes with you at your next visit to the Plaster-Room (gipskamer).  

Crutches
When you get your crutches, hold your arms by your sides with you elbows slightly bent, to enable the crutches to be adjusted to the correct level in order to give the necessary support.  

Conclusion
If, having read this leaflet, you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Plaster-Room. Telephone Number: 070 - 312 40 50.  

Thuiszorgwinkels
For information, telephone free number: 0800 - 288 77 66.  

The Hague
Betje Wolffstraat 140/146  

Voorburg
Koningin Julianalaan 40  

Rijswijk
Van Vredenburgplantsoen 1  

Wassenaar
Molenplein 1a