Our cotton bandage is a stretchable bandage used to create localized pressure. Elastic bandages are commonly used to treat muscle sprains and strains by reducing the flow of blood through the application of even pressure, which helps reduce swelling at the place of injury. Elastic bandages are also used to treat bone fractures. Padding is applied to the fractured limb, and then a splint is applied. The elastic bandage is used to hold the splint in place and protect it.