Bandages

Holding a dressing in place, supporting a sprained ankle and making a sling are everyday jobs for a bandage. The range covers conforming bandages from Mediform, elastic crepe bandages from Medicrepe, tubular support bandages from Medicare Sport in lettered sizes from wrist to thigh, and calico triangular bandages that fold into a sling. Together they cover most of what a home, car or sports kit needs, and the rolls come in several widths.

Conforming bandages are light and mould around joints, so they are mainly used to secure dressings, while crepe bandages stretch for firmer support after a sprain and tubular bandages slide on without any wrapping. Wrap from below the injury upwards with even turns and loosen straight away if fingers or toes go numb or change colour. Get a very painful sprain checked by your GP, or at an injury unit if you cannot put weight on it or it may be broken. For aches after a knock or sprain, also see our pain relief range.

Related categories

Wound DressingsWound Dressings PlastersPlasters Joint SupportsJoint Supports First AidFirst Aid

Frequently Asked Questions

How tight should a bandage be? +
A support bandage should feel firm but comfortable. Wrap from below the injury upwards with even, overlapping turns, and check the fingers or toes beyond it regularly. If they become numb, tingly, pale, blue or cold, loosen it straight away, and take compression bandages off at night unless advised otherwise. If you have diabetes or poor circulation, ask our pharmacist or GP before using one on the leg or foot.
What is the difference between a conforming and a crepe bandage? +
Conforming bandages such as Mediform are light and stretch in a way that moulds around joints, so they are mainly used to hold a dressing in place. Crepe bandages such as Medicrepe are thicker and more elastic, giving light compression and support to a sprain or strain. Both come in several widths, with narrower rolls for wrists and hands and wider rolls for knees and legs.
What are tubular support bandages used for? +
Tubular support bandages, such as the Medicare Sport range, are elasticated tubes that slide over a limb to give even, gentle compression without any wrapping. They come in lettered sizes from wrists and elbows up to knees and thighs. Use the size shown on the pack for that part of the body, and take it off if fingers or toes go numb, tingly or change colour.
How do I use a triangular bandage? +
Folded into a sling, a triangular bandage supports an injured arm, and folded into a broad band it can hold a dressing in place or support a joint. Calico triangular bandages are a standard part of a home, car or sports first aid kit. If you think an arm or wrist may be broken, support it and get medical help rather than relying on a sling alone.