SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
TRY BACKPACKER FREE!
SUBSCRIBE NOW and get
2 Free Issues and 3 Free Gifts!
Full Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Email: (required)
If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.
Your subscription includes 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Or click here to pay now and get 2 extra issues
Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions
CLOSE WINDOW

BACKPACKER PHOTOS

Email this page RSS feed
User rating:
-
Digg Delicious Yahoo Facebook Reddit StumbleUpon Google Newsvine Facebook Twitter

How To Improvise An Ankle Brace

Sprained or broken ankles are the most common injury for hikers and backpackers. Here's how to deal.
Photos by Jennifer Howe / howephoto.us
«
<
  • 1. The first step is to use R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice (use cold water if available), Compression, and Elevation). Start by sitting the patient down, propping their leg up comfortably, and removing shoes and socks to survey the damage.
  • Wrap the ankle with an Ace Bandage or Coban Self-Adhering Wrap, to support the ankle and minimize the rapid swelling that occurs immediately after injury.
  • Check the toes often to make sure there's blood circulation beyond the bandage. If they turn blue or numb, loosen the wrap slightly.
  • Begin building the splint by padding around the ankle to fill space around the narrow ankle and help immobilize the joint.
  • Fold a foam or self-inflating pad length-wise. Put it under the foot stirrup-fashion, wrap it up either side of the leg, and fasten it tightly. You can cut a foam pad to shape if needed.
  • Any bindings will work; sleeping bag straps, climbing web, tent cord, tape, bandanas or bandages. Tighten and retighten them until the ankle is firmly immobilized.
  • When finished, the splint should look roughly like this. More bindings would be better. Check to make sure the ankle is immobilized well.
  • Self-evacuate if possible; it's often faster than signaling or running for help. Support the person on their uninjured side, and have them use a stick or trek pole to minimize weight on the injured leg. The pad will protect the foot even on rough terrain.
>
»
Wrap the ankle with an Ace Bandage or Coban Self-Adhering Wrap, to support the ankle and minimize the rapid swelling that occurs immediately after injury.
Image 2 of 8

Wrap the ankle with an Ace Bandage or Coban Self-Adhering Wrap, to support the ankle and minimize the rapid swelling that occurs immediately after injury.

READERS COMMENTS

There are no comments posted for this entry.


POST A COMMENT

Your Name:
Comment:
My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

Gear
Therm-a-Rest XTherm
Posted On: Jun 20, 2013
Submitted By: rayestrella
Trailhead Register
The "Out of Context" Thread
Posted On: Jun 20, 2013
Submitted By: reubenstump

Most viewed Most emailed Top Rated

  1. The 10 Essentials

    The 10 essentials packing list was designed to ensure that hikers could a) ...

  2. How to Fit a Week's Gear into a Weekend Pack

    Don't own a massive pack for your big annual adventure? Here's how to make it ...

  3. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

  1. Hiking to Grand Canyon's Royal Arch

    Join photographer Elias Butler on this trek to one of the Grand Canyon's hidden ...

  2. Uncle Stevie's Patented Duct Tape Heel Blister Repair

    This time- and trail-tested solution to heel blisters has saved our Rocky ...

  3. How to Make a Survival Bracelet

    In an emergency, you can use paracord for lashings, tourniquets, shoelaces, ...

TIP 55: Air Dry Only

Never dry wet boots next to a campfire, stove, or space heater, or use a hair dryer. High heat will crack and shrink the leather.

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

Editors' Choice 2013
412 trail-tested products

Boost Your Apps
Add powerful tools and exclusive maps to your BACKPACKER apps through our partnership with Trimble Outdoors.

Carry the Best Maps
With BACKPACKER PRO Maps, get life-list destinations and local trips on adventure-ready waterproof myTopo paper.

FREE Rocky Mountain Trip Planner
Sign up for a free Rocky Mountain National Park trip planning kit from our sister site MyRockyMountainPark.com.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Get 2 FREE Trial Issues and 3 FREE GIFTS
Survival Skills 101 • Eat Better
The Best Trails in America
YES! Please send me my FREE trial issues of Backpacker
and my 3 FREE downloadable booklets.
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
Zip Code:
State:
Address 2:
Email (required):
Free trial offer valid for US subscribers only. Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions