A foot or an ankle injury can happen in an instant. You may twist an ankle on the tennis court, take a stumble when you’re walking down the stairs, or even make a misstep when you get out of bed in the morning. When you suffer a foot or an ankle injury, the resulting pain and swelling can limit your mobility and affect your daily routine. In Wichita, our podiatry team understands how debilitating these injuries can be, especially when you have work, family, and other responsibilities that don't stop just because you're hurt.
Compression therapy is one of the most effective first-line treatments for many foot and ankle injuries. The right compression wrap, properly applied by a trained Wichita podiatrist, does more than just provide support. It actively reduces swelling, improves circulation, and creates an environment for healing.
At our Wichita podiatry practice, we take a patient-centered approach to compression therapy. We don't just wrap and send you on your way. We educate you about your condition, provide detailed instructions for home care, and create a comprehensive treatment plan that gets you back on your feet as quickly and safely as possible.
Understanding Compression Wraps
A compression wrap is a special bandage system that applies controlled pressure to an injured area. Unlike simple elastic bandages you might buy at a drugstore, professional compression wraps are designed to create graduated pressure—tighter at the extremity and gradually looser as the wrap moves up the leg.
Compression wraps have several important functions, including the following:
- The graduated pressure helps push excess fluid away from the injury site and back into your circulatory system. When you injure your foot or ankle, your body's natural inflammatory response causes fluid to accumulate in the area, leading to swelling. While some inflammation is necessary for healing, excessive swelling can slow recovery and cause significant pain.
- They provide structural support to injured tissues, ligaments, and tendons. This support helps maintain proper alignment during the healing process and prevents additional strain on the injured area when you move.
- They can often provide immediate pain relief. The pressure can help reduce the sensation of pain by providing counter-stimulation to the nervous system and by limiting the movement of the injured area.
Compression Wraps for Common Foot and Ankle Conditions
Dr. Benjamin Weaver uses compression therapy for a variety of foot and ankle conditions, including the following:
Ankle sprain. When the ligaments that support the ankle tear or they’re are stretched beyond their normal range, a person can suffer an ankle sprain. Compression wraps help reduce the swelling that typically follows a sprain and provide support to the ankle as the ligaments heal.
Achilles tendinitis. Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. When this tendon becomes inflamed, you may suffer Achilles tendinitis. Compression therapy can help reduce inflammation and provide relief while supporting the tendon when you move around.
Plantar fasciitis. A thick band of tissue called the plantar fascia runs along the bottom of your foot and connects your heel to your toes. When this becomes inflamed, you may have a common condition called plantar fasciitis. Compression can help manage the associated swelling and provide support to the arch of the foot.
Venous insufficiency. This is a condition that occurs when the veins in your legs struggle to send blood back to your heart. Compression wraps can help improve circulation and reduce the swelling that often accompanies this condition.
Post-surgical recovery. After foot or ankle surgery, compression therapy is often an essential part of the recovery process. It helps to minimize swelling and support the surgical site as it heals.
Lymphedema. This condition involves swelling in the legs due to a buildup of lymph fluid. Specialized compression wrapping techniques can help apply pressure to the affected lymphatic area and encourage the movement of lymph fluid. Compression can help manage this condition and help control pain.
Why See Our Wichita Podiatrist for Compression Therapy
While you might be tempted to try self-treatment with over-the-counter elastic bandages, there are significant benefits to receiving compression therapy from Dr. Benjamin Weaver, including the following:
A diagnosis specific to your foot or ankle condition. Before you receive any treatment, Dr. Weaver will perform a thorough examination to determine the exact nature and severity of your injury or condition. This ensures that compression therapy is appropriate and tailored to your specific needs.
Proper compression technique. Applying compression wraps requires skill and knowledge. Wraps that are too tight can restrict blood flow and cause tissue damage; wraps that are too loose won't provide therapeutic benefits. Our Wichita podiatrist is trained in proper wrapping techniques for various foot and ankle conditions. Different injuries and conditions require different levels of compression. Dr. Weaver can determine the optimal pressure for your specific situation and adjust it as your condition improves.
Comprehensive treatment plan. Compression therapy is often most effective when combined with other treatments such as rest, ice, elevation, medication, physical therapy, or custom orthotics. Our podiatrists develop comprehensive treatment plans that incorporate multiple approaches for optimal recovery.
Follow-up care. We monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed. This ongoing care ensures that you're healing properly and helps prevent complications or reinjury.
Rely on Central Kansas Podiatry Associates for Compression Wraps
The podiatric team at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates uses EXTREMIT-EASE Compression Garments for patients who suffer from foot and ankle conditions or injuries and need compression wraps. We know that our patients can recover from these injuries and conditions faster with professional compression therapy, and we work together with them to create a specific treatment plan for their individual needs. We also know that when our patients are dealing with foot and ankle injuries and conditions, compression wraps can provide significant relief. We'll evaluate your condition and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include compression therapy and other effective interventions. With the right care, you can get back to enjoying your life with less pain. Read our testimonials to learn how we’ve used compression wraps to help patients who have foot and ankle pain and inflammation.