1. The width and tightness should be appropriate. Generally, a 10cm wide elastic bandage is used, with the tightness allowing one finger to fit inside the loop.
2. Venous drainage should be ensured before bandaging. It is best to bandage in the morning before getting out of bed. Elevate both lower limbs before bandaging to further drain veins.
3. When bandaging, start from the distal end of the limb and gradually wrap upwards in a serpentine pattern towards the heart.
4. The bandage must be smooth and wrinkle-free, especially around the knee joint. Otherwise, wrinkles will easily form, compressing the popliteal fossa and acting like a tourniquet, effectively blocking venous return.
5. After bandaging, observe the skin color and swelling of the affected limb to assess its effectiveness. If the extremities turn purple or black, the skin temperature decreases, or there is swelling or numbness, contact a doctor immediately for treatment and loosening of the bandage.
6. Patients with deep vein thrombosis must use elastic bandages for at least 3 months, or even longer, whether during periods of restricted activity or after resuming activity, to protect the function of superficial veins and communicating vein valves and reduce or eliminate symptoms.