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Technical GuideFigure 2. The layer of paddingbegins at the base of the toes, securedwith two turns. The bandage shouldnot be applied too firmly as thecompression is required from theankle up. Any foot oedema canbe managed with an increase incompression over the forefoot.Figure 3. The second turn is around the mid-foot to the heel, including the Achilles’tendon. An additional turn may be required for those with feet larger than a UK size 5.high working and a low restingpressure.In the UK short-stretchbandages are usually appliedin a simple, spiral techniquewith a 50% overlap from toeto knee. It is essential that thelimb is fully padded and reshapedif necessary. As Moffatt(2007) observes, Europeanpractitioners employ a varietyof application techniques (e.g.the Sigg and Gustav Puettertechniques), which may beused by the more experiencedpractitioner but are best avoidedby the novice.Figure 4. An additional turn is needed to secure the plantar area of the heel.Several layers of short-stretchbandaging may be useddepending on the size of the limb.Application of a 10cm shortstretchbandage in a spiraltechniqueBefore application, healthcarepractitioners should measure thepatient’s leg above the ankle todetermine the number of layers ofbandages required (Figure 1). Thecondition of the skin and shape ofthe limb should also be observed.Figure 5. One turn will then lead to the area above the malleoli.Wound Essentials • Volume 4 • 2009 63