Calf wrap

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Leg wraps are a tried and tested home remedy for gently lowering a fever. Because the damp and cool wraps dissipate body heat. In addition to fever, there are other areas of application. Cold leg compresses can have an anti-inflammatory effect and help against inner restlessness. Here you can read everything you need to know about leg wraps - how they work, how they are made and when they shouldn't be used.

What are calf wraps?

Calf compresses are cool, damp compresses around the lower legs that extend from the heels to below the knees. The wraps, which are moistened in cool water, are covered with two additional layers of fabric in order to achieve the best possible effect.

How do leg wraps work?

Calf compresses lower the body temperature using a simple mechanism: the cool moisture in the compress evaporates on the patient's warm skin. The cold from evaporation removes heat from the body. In this way, the body temperature can be reduced by up to 2 degrees Celsius. Compared to other temperature-lowering applications such as cold washes, calf wraps are particularly gentle on the circulation.

The cold stimulus triggered by the calf wrap also affects the autonomic nervous system: the vessels are narrowed, blood pressure rises, metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated.

However, if you leave cool calf compresses on the skin long enough for them to warm up and reach body temperature, the opposite effect occurs. Then they stimulate the vegetative nervous system to expand the vessels, which has a relaxing effect.

How are calf wraps made?

Three-layer wraps are recommended. You should use natural materials (such as cotton) for each layer, as synthetic fibers do not let air or moisture through.

How to do it:

• For the first layer, soak two thin linen or cotton towels (for example kitchen towels or, for small children, handkerchiefs) in cool water *, wring them out gently and wrap a towel tightly around each of the calves.
• As a second layer, for example, you can put two dry cotton towels around the damp wrap.
• The conclusion is a warm layer. For example, scarves or blankets made of wool are ideal.

* For adults and older children, cool water means tap-cold water with a temperature between 16 and 20 degrees Celsius. For toddlers' calf wraps, lukewarm water (around 28 to 32 degrees Celsius) is best. Ice-cold water, on the other hand, is never advisable - it would put too much pressure on the circulation!

Never cover the calf compress with aluminum foil or cling film. Because the air-impermeable film prevents the heat from being dissipated. This can quickly build up heat.

Leg wrap with additives

In order to increase the temperature-lowering effect of the calf compress, you can work with additives. For example, leg wraps with vinegar have proven effective. Because vinegar supports the heat-dissipating effect of the compress, refreshes and relaxes.

For vinegar wraps, simply add a little vinegar essence to the water. We recommend five tablespoons of vinegar essence per liter of water. Then proceed as described above.

The anti-inflammatory effect of cold calf compresses can be enhanced with clay or healing earth. To do this, coat the damp cloths about a knife thick with cool clay or healing earth pulp and apply the calf wrap as described.

How are calf wraps used?

Calf wraps should be used while lying down. It is also important that the rest of the body, especially the feet, stay warm. Thick socks and a warm duvet will help. However, this should not be spread over the lower legs so that the heat can be sufficiently dissipated.

Before applying the calf compress, you should place a waterproof pad under the patient's legs to prevent the bed sheet and mattress from getting wet.

When putting it on, be careful not to wrap the layers of fabric too tightly. Otherwise the blood circulation in the lower legs will be restricted.

Leg Wraps - How Often and How Long?

Leg wraps on children should be left on for a maximum of ten minutes. With increasing age, the duration of the leg wrap treatment can be increased to 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired effect.

If the patient feels uncomfortable, freezes or shakes, you should remove the calf compress immediately.

You can repeat the application of leg compresses three to four times. After that, you should take a break. Check the patient's temperature after the end of treatment.

What complaints do calf compresses help with?

Leg wraps help with fever, local inflammation and inner restlessness.

Calf wrap if you have a fever

Calf wraps for fever are considered very effective. They reduce the increased temperature quickly and alleviate accompanying symptoms such as headaches and general malaise. However, they should only be used at body temperatures of 39 degrees or more. Because fever is not a disease, but a natural reaction of the body that helps the immune system to defend itself against pathogens. If it is suppressed, it can make the natural healing process more difficult.

If the fever persists, you should always seek medical advice. Most of the time it is only caused by harmless cold viruses. But the causes can also be more serious!

Calf wrap for inflammation

For the prevention and treatment of local inflammatory processes (such as phlebitis), calf compresses are also well suited. The cold causes the blood vessels to contract and the blood pressure drops. This relieves and strengthens the vessel walls.

Cold calf compresses can also have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect on rheumatic complaints and osteoarthritis.

Calf wrap for inner restlessness

Calf compresses have a calming and relaxing effect if they are left on for a long time, for example overnight. Then they can also be used as a sleep aid.

Leg wrap in children

Pediatricians often recommend leg wraps to gently lower fevers in children. However, there are a few points you should keep in mind:

• Do not use calf compresses on your child until the temperature exceeds 40 degrees Celsius.
• Only use calf wrap when the child's skin is warm.
• Use lukewarm water for the leg compresses.
• Stay with the child to notice any discomfort immediately.
• Do not leave the calf compress on for more than 10 minutes.
• Remove the calf wrap immediately if the child is cold or uncomfortable.

Some experts recommend that you do not use leg wraps on your baby until they are 18 months old. It is best to ask your pediatrician before using leg wraps on babies.

Basically, you should always see the pediatrician with feverish babies and toddlers. You should only use calf wraps after consulting your doctor.

When is calf compresses not recommended?

Leg wraps should not be used in the case of:

• chills
• cold legs, arms, feet, hands
• Circulatory disorders of the legs
• Fever below 39 degrees Celsius (in children below 40 degrees Celsius)
• Urinary tract infections
• Problems with the sciatic nerve
• Allergies to additives used such as vinegar or healing earth. If you are unsure whether you are allergic, test a small amount of the additive on the crook of your arm skin first.

Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist over a longer period of time and do not get better or even worse despite treatment, you should always consult a doctor.

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