Compression Dressings

Compression Dressings

Discover advanced, non-invasive wound healing with compression dressings at Innovative Wound Care Specialists.

Compression dressings, also known as a clothed bandage wrap, is commonly used for wrapping a sprain, ulcer, and other specific wounds.

What are Compression Dressings For?

We use compression dressings, a bandage made up of elastic or cloth, for patients who may be experiencing the following:

  • Arterial Ulcers

  • Venous Stasis Ulcers
  • Venous Hypertension
  • Lower Extremity Edema
  • Trauma Wounds
  • Minor Burns

Learn More About Compression Dressings

The purpose of this sort of compression dressing is to simply promote blood circulation and decrease swelling, which can be the result of ulcers and other wounds or strains. More specifically the benefits of compression dressings can also include:

  • Aid in healing ulcers by the dressing’s pressure helping to reduce swelling, improving circulation, and helping to heal through tissue repair.

  • Pregnancy related swelling is common and compression dressings can work to enhance circulation, help fluid build up, and help with any discomfort from swelling.

  • Pain relief brought on from swelling through support, stabilization, and improvement of circulation.

  • Pain management from swelling with support from dressings that work to support the tissue, circulation, and fluid of the affected area.

Compression dressings ultimately serve to encourage healing and optimal recovering for any swelling related issue like ulcers, pain, or post-surgery recovery. There are different types of compression dressings such as advanced ones, and ones with different levels of pressure based on the condition.

Typically Compression Dressings are used for a patient who is recovering from any of the mentioned ulcer, wounds, or strains to aid in their healing and recovery. An individual who is suffering from Lymphedema may also need a compression dressing. Individuals who are suffering from injuries such as an ankle injury, may benefit from a compression dressing to aid in decreasing any swelling.

Since compression dressings are used to promote better blood circulation, and reduce swelling, an individual who is facing these ailments would most likely need a compression dressing(s).

However, typically a medical professional will evaluate your condition to see if you need compression dressings as part of your treatment. It’s vital to wear compression dressings only under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider.

If you believe you may need compression dressings, reach out to us at Innovative Wound Care Specialists for an evaluation.

Individuals will most likely know they will need a some form of a compression dressing from the following:

  • Severe swelling from injury or wound, or from after a surgery
  • Chronic wound
  • Severe bleeding from injury or wound
  • Ulcers such as venous ulcers
Doctor applying compression dressing to patient's knee

Compression dressings are a highly effective treatment for healing wounds, reducing swelling, and promoting venous circulation. However, if not worn properly, there are potential side effects that can occur. The potential side effects from compression dressings include:

  • Skin irritation or skin breakdown after prolonged wear of a compression dressing
  • Circulation issues if compression is wrapped too tightly, or swelling above or below the dressing, if the compression is not applied evenly
  • Infection if dressing does not stay dry nor changed appropriately
  • Allergic reactions from certain material dressings
  • Pressure ulcers
  • Discomfort or pain, if the dressing is too tight or applied incorrectly

Generally a compression dressing will stay wrapped on the affected area, dry, for 24 – 72 hours depending on the severity of the wound. For some individuals, they may keep a compression dressing on longer to provide any pain relief from the swelling. A skilled medical provider will be able to provide you with the appropriate time frame based on your needs, since some wounds have different levels of severity, meaning they will need a different amount of time to heal and keep a compression dressing on.

Compression Dressings FAQ

More About Compression Dressings

How do compression dressings work?

A compression dressings works by wrapping an ulcer, wound, or strain in an elastic cloth. There are different levels of compression, and your provider will select the appropriate compression based on your wound. From here, this compression dressing will serve to promote blood circulation for the wound, and decrease swelling, all to promote a better recovery.

What conditions require compression dressings?

Patients who will most likely benefit from, or require, a compression dressing include patients recovering from any form of ulcer, such as an arterial or venous ulcer. In addition, patients who are recovering from a minor burn or trauma wound.

What is an advanced wound dressing?

This form of a compression dressing is when a wound is moderately or heavily draining. A proper assessment from an Innovative Wound Care Specialist will be able to assess and determine the right form of compression dressing for you.

What occurs while compression dressing is applied?

Your specialist will ensure the affected area, and dressing, are both clean for wrapping. The specialist will also assess the level of compression based on your wound needs.

What if someone takes a compression dressing off too early?

If a compression is taken off prior to the time stated by a specialist, a patient could risk further injury and delay healing time. This is why it is crucial to be mindful of when it is time to remove a compression dressing, either at home or in a clinic, which will also be determined by a specialist.

How many times will I need a compression dressing?

For a majority of wounds, such as ulcers,compressions dressing will need to be applied often, as this is not a one-time treatment. It may require additional changing out of a compression dressing to promote optimal healing and recovery.

How can someone reduce swelling from a compression dressing?

If the swelling from a compression dressing is coming from the dressing itself, you will want to let your medical provider know, as there are different levels of compression depending on the wound.

What does someone need to do to protect their compression dressing?

It will be important to not get a compression dressing wet. When showering, some patients cover their compression with a cast cover or secured trash bag. Other daily activities can be done normally, with a sense of mindfulness of the dressing based on its location.

Compression Dressings Wound Treatment at Innovative Wound Care Specialists

If you are currently experiencing chronic ulcers, lower extremity edema, chronic wounds, or chronic bleeding please contact our office so that we can provide you the care that you need. At Innovative Wound Care Specialists, our team of skilled and highly trained medical providers aim to provide quality comfort and care to each patient. You can request an appointment online and learn more about our specialists.