Circulatory System: Toe Bandaging for Lymphedema

Seek medical attention prior to bandaging as everyone is not appropriate for bandaging. A Franciscan Health therapist demonstrates the proper way to bandage toes for purposes of treating Lymphedema. Your therapist will make recommendations for your bandaging supplies. After first performing good hygiene to the area, apply low pH lotion (fragrance free and dye free, such as Eucerin or Elta) to the skin. Apply tubular bandage (stockinette) to base of toes to the knee. Begin with a pre-folded toe wrap (stretchy gauze bandage). Make 1 complete circle at the forefoot where the toes begin. Each toe will be individually wrapped except the little toe. Cross over the top of the foot starting at the base of the nail of the big toe. Apply in a circular fashion with slight tension on the bandage until you reach the base of the toe. Cross over the top of the foot making a circle around the forefoot and begin with the next toe. Continue with this technique until all toes are wrapped except for the little toe. Continue to LE bandaging video to view how to bandage the foot and lower leg. Remove all bandages if any the following occur after bandage application or after wearing bandages: Numbness/tingling in the limb, color change in the skin, shortness of breath, decreased urination, abdominal swelling, or pain in the limb. If symptoms do not resolve after removing bandages, seek medical attention.