How to properly wrap an elastic bandage on your knee. How to bandage an elastic knee bandage. Knee bandages for injury recovery
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Arthritis and arthrosis.
An elastic bandage is a fabric knitted bandage that is suitable for repeated use and washing. Products are designed to create medium compression and fixation of the joint. For example, after dislocations, sprains, the tapes allow you to move around without fear of recurrence of the injury.
Bandaging helps with regeneration after injuries or chronic diseases. The joint is bandaged to prevent and protect the ligaments. There are several types of bandages: cotton, neoprene and with stiffeners.
Used for local compression and stabilization of the damaged joint. Bandaging starts 5 cm above and continues about the same distance below the knee. For those with arthritis, the bands help support the knee and keep the joint warm for pain relief.
An elastic bandage on the knee joint improves proprioception in patients with various diseases, including deforming arthrosis. With the help of bandaging, signals from articular, mechanoreceptors and muscle spindles are increased, which stabilizes the limb and increases muscle tone.
Proprioception initiates reflexes that help stabilize the limb and prevent injury through the stretch reflex. In arthrosis, damage to mechanoreceptors occurs due to the thickening of the capsule, which disrupts postural and protective reflexes. An elastic bandage increases the signals from the skin around the joint. Patients feel better the position of the limb, it is easier to control the muscles.
Indications
Bandages made of elastic fabric create active pressure on the damaged areas, protect it, and promote healing. With the help of movable fixation, it is provided:
- restoration of tissue trophism;
- support for proper joint function;
- ensuring the relative position of the components.
Compression bandages effectively increase blood flow and activate fibrinolytic activity. Additionally, the bandage reduces inflammatory and post-traumatic edema.
Wrapping the knee with an elastic bandage provides mild to moderate support but is not suitable for serious injuries such as fractures or dislocations.
Elastic bandaging is prescribed for various pathologies of the knee joint:
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The applied pressure supports soft tissues, reduces swelling, and provides a rush of blood to the articular surfaces for regeneration.
Contraindications
The main contraindications for compression therapy are:
- cardiogenic edema caused by heart failure;
- diabetic microangiopathy;
- severe skin infections;
- allergic reactions to bandages, especially to latex, adhesives in the composition.
Wearing compression stockings in the presence of diseases of the heart, blood vessels, metabolic disorders is possible only as prescribed by a doctor.
Elastic bandaging is not always suitable for the knee. The main prohibitions concern:
- damage to the skin - the imposition of a knitted bandage will lead to the development of anaerobic infection;
- bone fractures - an elastic bandage is not enough to fix the limb, and swelling will create pressure and pain;
- thrombosis at the site of dressing: the popliteal arteries can be pinched with a tight bandage.
The bandage should not interfere with blood circulation and lymph flow, otherwise oxygen starvation of the tissues will occur.
Types of bandages and their purpose
Elastic bandages differ in the material of manufacture, length and degree of extensibility:
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How to wrap your knee with an elastic bandage when squatting? Use high stretch bandages for beginners, decrease elasticity with experience. In competitions, ribbons 2-2.5 m long and 8 cm wide are used.
Overlay methods
Winding an elastic bandage is no different from ordinary bandaging. The bandage should not squeeze the vessels, provoke numbness. It is necessary to bandage without the appearance of folds. The instructions for elastic bandages on the knee show the most popular methods of application.
Generic method
Bandaging begins 15 cm below the knee joint, performing 1-2 turns. The tape is directed obliquely through the popliteal fossa to the femur 15 cm above the knee joint. There are also two turns. Next, the elastic bandage is applied with oblique and reverse turns. Complete circularly around the joint, fix the bandage.
With the universal method, a bandage located 20 cm below the knee is fixed and wound at an angle under the patella to the thigh. The result is a bandage 30-40 cm long.
Popular option
The most popular option is the converging tortoiseshell dressing, which is done in a few steps:
- two turns are performed above or below the joint;
- the tape is transferred to the back surface on the femur or tibia, depending on the direction of bandaging, where it is fixed with two turns at a distance of 10 cm;
- each next turn overlaps the previous one by one third, and the turns are directed towards each other at the back of the joint through the crossed initial turn.
The bandage is fixed by bringing the end of the tape behind the coil. To bandage the knee with an elastic bandage, there are special products with Velcro and fasteners.
You can make a diverging turtle bandage, which begins with a fixing coil in the middle of the joint. Further turns diverge in different directions from it.
Elemental Bandage
How to apply an elastic bandage on a knee with a wound? The circular bandage is suitable for bandaging the thigh, lower leg - the space under the knee and above the knee. Each new turn overlaps the previous one completely. The bandage is used for bandaging wounds on the thigh, lower leg, but the circular bandage is not directly applied to the knee joint. A bandage wound in this way rotates and shifts with active movements.
In a spiral
The spiral bandage is used on the legs, arms, and chest to cover extensive skin defects and wounds. Each subsequent turn after the first fixing overlaps the previous half or two-thirds.
The bandage is considered simple, used for the knee joint. Bandaging begins on the lower leg, and the last turns are made from below, where the smallest volume of the covered surface is located.
A spiral bandage can be applied with folds, turning the bandage on the other side, holding the lower edge.
How to bandage the knee with an elastic bandage in case of damage to the veins and arteries? The purpose of the spiral technique for the lower limb is wide. It is used on elongated wounds, with varicose veins, prevention of thrombosis. In this way, the muscles of athletes are protected from high loads.
With varicose veins, the bandage is wound immediately after a night's rest, without getting out of bed. Start at the big toe with a fixing coil and continue to the thigh.
fixing bandage
The stabilizing function is performed by an eight-shaped bandage, which is chosen for dislocations of the knee joint, sprains, injuries of the lower leg and thigh.
Fixation of the knee joint with an elastic bandage is carried out taking into account the rules:
- fixing turns are performed in 2-3 layers;
- the knee joint is bent during bandaging;
- in the process of winding, the turns form a figure eight.
After the fixing turn, the next one goes diagonally across the lower leg. Then the tape is transferred to the opposite side of the leg and the coil is repeated in a mirror manner. An elastic bandage is applied with little or no overlap, depending on the affected area and targets. In order to stabilize, each new turn covers the previous half.
Bandage Alternatives
The simplest alternative to elastic bandages is elastic bandages made from neoprene and other elastic fabrics. Often they are called knee pads, and if there are rigid inserts in the design, they are called orthoses. Bandages and clamps are chosen strictly according to size. The rigid caliper should be positioned where the primary site of injury is, medially, laterally, or centrally near the patella.
Conclusion
Elastic bandages are widely used in surgery, orthopedics, sports. Weightlifters try to fix the knee in order to withstand more weight of the bar, runners try to prevent injuries and pain. Proper application of a bandage also helps to reduce pain in deforming arthrosis.
In contact with
For the first time, bandages, as everyone used to call them, appeared in the 19th century in the form of gauze bandages. Later in the 20th century, these bandages began to be produced in an elastic form. In fact, they weren't doing well. When the latex thread was invented, such dressings began to stretch much better and became similar to the current modern ones.
Instructions for using an elastic bandage on the knee will be presented in this article.
The knee joint in the entire human body experiences the greatest load, as a result of which it is constantly exposed to various injuries. There is a need to fix the knee. In these situations, an elastic bandage on the knee joint will come to the rescue.
Elastic bandage
Such a bandage is widely used for:
- injury;
- dislocation;
- sprain
- inflammation in the knee joint and other diseases that require fixation of the knee joint.
The bandages are coated with their cotton composition, which makes them breathable and can absorb moisture (this is an aqueous solution of salts and organic substances that are excreted with the sweat glands). If you bandage the knee with an elastic bandage, then this provides peace, does not allow you to actively move, and thereby reduces pain and swelling in the tissues, and contributes to a quick recovery.
It is widely used in athletes involved in strength training, helps those who are undergoing postoperative recovery or those who need to fix an injured knee.
The effectiveness of using an elastic bandage will be achieved if it is correctly selected and correctly applied. This not cunning science can be learned by any person, having a desire.
Indications
Unfortunately, many people turn to an elastic bandage whenever a knee injury occurs, leaving learning the instructions for later. This kind of dressings are freely available in all pharmacy warehouses and kiosks.
To improve nutrition, and as a result, the regeneration of the soft tissues of the lower extremities, fixation and the necessary compression of the knee joint are used in medicine. What does it give:
- compression of the soft tissues of the joint;
- strengthening and increasing the tone of the venous walls;
- normalization of blood flow;
- prevention of thrombosis;
- prevention of disease or injury.
Prevention of injury is one of the reasons for the use of an elastic bandage
During the rehabilitation period after an injury, most therapeutic and physical exercises are performed with fixation of the joint. It is also indicated to wear elastic bandages when walking, so that the loads are applied with a gradual increase in strength, as the joint itself recovers.
Contraindications
To use an elastic bandage, with all the positive points, there is some contraindications to its use:
- narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels;
- type 3 diabetes;
- inflammation or ulcers on the legs;
- with neurological pathology.
One way or another, but before proceeding with the bandaging of the knee joint, it is better to consult a doctor who will tell you what type of bandage is needed in each case.
Types of bandages and their purpose
Before using this type of bandage, it is still better to study which type is indicated for which injury. Elastic bandages are produced with different tension and the purpose of their use is directly related to the strength of stretch. Kinds:
- little elasticity. Has a stretch of about 69%. It is intended for the treatment of serious diseases, such as varicose veins in the last stage, fluid accumulation in the intercellular space (for example, due to a bruise), with severe chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic disease;
- average elasticity. Stretching from 70 to 140%. It is used in case of recovery after surgery on the vessels of the lower extremities, to stabilize varicose veins in the legs or with a constant violation of the outflow of blood in the venous system;
- ultimate elasticity. Elongation from 141% and above. They are used during pregnancy to prevent varicose veins, with hematomas, after surgery, to relieve tension in ligaments and tendons.
In the case of prolonged bed rest after various operations, injuries and surgical operations using general anesthesia, it is prescribed to wrap the legs with compression bandages or stockings.
Overlay methods
Each bandage bandage has its own requirements for the overlay technique.
There are several ways to bandage a knee with an elastic bandage. And after the specialist gives instructions on the use of an elastic bandage, telling the way how to properly bandage the knee with an elastic bandage, it is necessary to ensure that the knee bandage does not exert excessive pressure on the knee joint and maintains the desired therapeutic effect.
It is better to ask a pharmacist at a pharmacy to sell a bandage that comes with special fasteners (fasteners) or Velcro around the edge. In the absence of both, you will have to use a standard pin.
So, how to apply an elastic bandage on the knee: the leg should be extended forward without tension, the knee joint is in a slightly bent state in complete relaxation.
There are universal rules for applying an elastic bandage:
- the bandage should not fall off, but at the same time moderately limit the mobility of the knee;
- the bandage should not press on soft tissues, causing a feeling of numbness when there is no pulsation under the bandage;
- it is necessary to ensure that the skin above and below the bandage does not become pale or cold, in addition, it should not turn blue. This means that the bandage is applied incorrectly.
How do you know if the bandage is properly attached? If the edge of the little finger freely crawls under it, then everything is in order. Otherwise, it is better to bandage the bandage.
Generic method
The simplest method of applying a bandage is to bandage the knee with an elastic bandage along the oblique and with turns. It is fixed below the knee, about 10 centimeters, stretched, then wound obliquely under the knee and to the thigh.
The length of such a bandage is about 20 cm. It is fixed with fasteners or pins. This type of tying is extremely fragile and rolls off during movement.
Popular option
When the elastic compression is properly wound, there will be no feeling of restriction or stiffness of movement, and at the same time it will hold perfectly on the knee. The most famous bandage method is considered to be the turtle bandage. Applied in two ways:
- descending(applied in two layers at the top and bottom of the joint and each turn is replaced to the middle of the knee);
- divergent(winding occurs in the opposite direction from the center of the knee joint to a coil above and below).
Applying a bandage to the knee joint
Elemental Bandage
With this method of fixation, the left hand holds the end of the bandage, and the right hand rotates the bandage around the knee with rotational movements. It is necessary to ensure that there are no overlapping turns on each other along the entire length.
In a spiral
How to wrap a knee with an elastic bandage in a spiral? When using this method of fastening, it is wrapped around the knee joint in a circular motion, with each next turn moving a third or half of the width up or down. In this case, the presence of kinks or a weak fit of the bandage is possible.
If an elastic bandage is applied along an ascending knit, then its end is fixed under the knee, and the coils are shifted upwards. If the elastic bandage is laid in a downward manner, then the bandage is fixed over the joint and layers are applied with a downward shift.
This type of fixation is considered more reliable than circular overlay. But the layers, however, can shift when walking or running.
fixing bandage
A proven and time-tested method can be called the cruciform method. So he fixes the elastic band on the joint. Fixation of the knee joint with an elastic bandage begins with the twisting of the bandage is located on the thigh and is carried through the knee to the ankle.
These movements are copied by shifting the layers some distance to the knee. Actions last until the coils meet at the joint. Fix the bandage on wrapping the affected area.
Bandage Alternatives
If there is no desire to engage in winding bandages, then you can use medical knee pads, which imitate it, in the form of a simple putting on the leg. These knee pads support the joint, relieving pain and reducing swelling. These bandages also have orthopedic properties.
Medical knee brace
With dislocation, arthrosis, paralysis, accumulation of fluid in the knee joint and other diseases, reinforced knee pads are used. They do not allow the muscles to atrophy and allow them to move freely enough, improve blood circulation, which has a positive effect on the damaged joint.
Conclusion
For any injury to the knee joint, seek medical attention. So that a specialist can determine what type of elastic bandage is needed in each case and what type of elastic bandage should be used. It is best to have two units in the first aid kit so that they can be washed at the right time. Washing is carried out in plain warm soapy water, without the use of powders. Dry without curling. When wearing a bandage for a long time, you can use talcum powder to avoid irritation on the skin.
Some use elastic bandages for injuries, while others use only knee pads (since they can be easily put on in the blink of an eye). The final decision is made based on the individual characteristics and needs of each individual. An elastic bandage is an economical tool for both prevention and treatment, and a bandage is a serious tool with a powerful orthopedic effect. Any type of bandage should be used only for medical reasons and under the supervision of the attending physician.
Bandages on the knee are used to protect the joint from external influences. Dressings are used to contain drugs, protect affected areas from contamination, stop bleeding, and provide rest or immobility in case of sprain or injury.
Types of dressings
An accident can happen to any person, as a result of which damage to the skin, violations of the integrity of bone, cartilage tissues or knee mobility are possible. In such cases, a person needs urgent help. However, it is not always possible to immediately consult a doctor in case of injury, fracture or sprain.
For first aid, a bandage is applied, which will help protect open wounds from infection, and the damaged joint from unnecessary movements. Depending on the type of joint damage, the methods of applying a bandage are chosen.
It is possible to distinguish the main types of bandages used for applying to the knee:
Protective, which are applied to a damaged joint that has damage to the skin or soft tissues. Such a bandage helps to protect the wound, especially the open one, from the penetration of pathogenic particles and dirt into it. Therefore, to exclude any contact with the environment, an aseptic bandage is applied to the injured knee. For this, a bactericidal adhesive plaster, gauze or bandage with the use of disinfecting drugs can be used. Pressure applied to the knee during bleeding, which are provoked by trauma. A hemostatic bandage of bandage or gauze is applied rather tightly around the damaged area. Immobilizing, which are used for dislocations or sprains. The fixation bandage helps to protect the knee from unnecessary stress, which helps to avoid complications and additional damage. If it is necessary to protect the leg in case of a fracture, a solid dressing is used to fix it.
Methods for applying bandages
In medical practice, bandages are common. Such material as a bandage refers to the universal. It has all the qualities that a dressing should have. It differs in density, elasticity and ability to pass air. Bandages can be made from various materials, such as gauze and elastic or dense fabrics.
Methods for applying a bandage bandage are selected depending on the type of joint damage.
To protect and stabilize the knee, a bandage is applied in the form of a bandage:
circular (circular); spiral ascending or descending; eight-shaped or cruciform; creeping or serpentine; spike-shaped; turtle, which can be divergent or convergent; complex.
Each bandage bandage has its own requirements for the overlay technique. For some injuries, a combination of several types and methods of dressings is required.
Turtle headband
In case of damage to the articular elements of the knee or areas located near the joints, it is advisable to apply a tortoiseshell bandage.
A turtle bandage can be applied to the knee joint in two ways:
Converging ligation is used for damage to the joint itself. Divergent ligation is required if periarticular areas are injured.
How is a convergent bandage applied?
Both gauze and elastic bandages can be used for this dressing. Converging ligation is necessary to immobilize the joint in case of intra-articular injuries or in violation of the integrity of the skin or soft covers directly on the surface of the joint.
If there are open wounds, sterile bandages are used for dressing. At the same time, hands must be thoroughly washed and all manipulations should be carried out in disposable gloves. These methods will help prevent germs from entering the open wound.
The convergent ligation itself is carried out according to the following scheme:
The end of the bandage is held in the left hand, holding the head itself with the right. The patient should be in front of the bandager with the knee bent to 100-120 degrees. The first rounds are applied above the joint, making several fixing turns around the knee. Further tours alternate above and below the joint, crossing in the knee area. Each new round should overlap the previous one by half. The dressing ends in the center of the knee, where it is fixed.
After bandaging, it is necessary to check the density and correctness of bandaging.
Video
Video - Immobilizing knee bandage
How is a diverging bandage applied?
The need for this type of dressing appears in case of damage to the periarticular areas.
The technique for applying dressings is similar to the previous technique, with the exception of:
Start bandaging from the middle of the knee. The last rounds fall on the area above the knee joint, where the bandage is fixed.
Regardless of the method of bandaging, it is necessary to check its density and quality. A properly applied bandage does not create obstacles to the natural movements of the joint, does not squeeze the skin and blood vessels, does not provoke painful and unpleasant sensations.
Medical dressings
Quite often, therapeutic dressings are used for therapeutic purposes in articular pathologies. To do this, you can use ready-made ointments, tinctures from healing injuries, applications from plant materials, minerals and ready-made medical dressings.
Salt dressing
Salt, due to its physical and chemical qualities, is a sought-after raw material that is used to treat articular pathologies.
Salt contributes to the treatment of articular pathologies
Salt therapy helps to saturate the tissues with minerals, warm the joint, improve blood flow and reduce swelling.
Usually, patients are recommended a salt bath or heating with salt. But more effective is the salt bandage, which has an effect locally. Thanks to the evaporation of the saline solution, which is impregnated with the bandage, the intercellular fluid is actually drawn out of the tissues of the diseased organ, which improves lymph flow and speeds up recovery.
To prepare a 10% saline solution, ordinary water is used, in which sea salt is dissolved. This solution is impregnated with gauze folded in 8 layers. You can also use cotton fabric, which must first be washed and ironed.
A saline gauze bandage is first applied over the joint, which is wrapped on top with an ordinary bandage. It is not recommended to wrap such a medical dressing with a film so as not to impede the flow of air to the tissues.
Keep the saline healing bandage on the joint for about 15 hours until completely dry. Repeat the procedure every other day or carry out daily for about two months.
It is advisable to carry out such treatment of the knee during exacerbations of arthritis, bursitis, rheumatism, polyarthritis, as well as during rehabilitation after injury.
Magnetic bandages
Magnetotherapy is effectively used to restore metabolic processes in the knee. The action of the magnetic field helps to eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, which contributes to recovery.
It is possible to carry out procedures with the use of magnetic influence not only in physiotherapy rooms. For the convenience of patients, special dressings are produced that can be easily used at home.
The magnetic knee bandage is equipped with 24 magnets and special Velcro, allowing you to attach it to your knee. It is recommended to use such a device for patients with arthritis, arthrosis, as well as those who have suffered a knee injury.
A specific dressing, thanks to the creation of a magnetic field, helps:
Increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the pathological site by improving blood flow. Eliminate or significantly reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Improve the condition of the ligamentous and muscular tissues of the joint. Strengthen the process of cartilage tissue regeneration.
Such a bandage can be used both during an exacerbation of inflammatory processes and rehabilitation after injuries and operations, and as a preventive measure for chronic articular pathologies.
Treatment with a magnetic bandage is carried out in courses, which can consist of 30 procedures. The bandage is applied directly to the knee and fixed with Velcro. Such a device is worn until the effect is obtained.
In case of severe pain, it is allowed not to remove the bandage with magnets for up to three days. After the procedure, repeat as needed.
Prohibited magnetic treatment:
during pregnancy; patients with pacemakers; in the presence of open wounds or infectious lesions on the skin at the site of dressing.
Magnetic treatment can be used as monotherapy or in combination with medical and auxiliary methods of therapy.
An ankle or knee sprain is a fairly common injury. One way to prevent further progression of the problem is to use a tight stretch bandage.
The ankle joint is especially often affected in winter, when the risk of injury due to slippery roads increases. However, this injury is often found among athletes who put heavy loads on the joints. A properly applied bandage will allow you not to disturb the damaged joint until you see a doctor and undergo appropriate treatment. In addition, a tight bandage on the leg will help to significantly reduce pain and discomfort in the injured foot.
Assistance takes place in 4 stages. First of all, the victim must be kept calm. Next, apply an appropriate bandage, fixing the injured joint. If the pain is severe enough, pain relievers can be used. After providing first aid, you should contact an orthopedist who will assess the degree of damage and prescribe treatment.
To apply a bandage, it is better to use an elastic bandage, since it has high plasticity and is not subject to deformation. Having tightly performed the dressing, you can not worry that the bandage will slip or stretch. Also, the elastic bandage can be easily removed if it is necessary to treat the stretch site with ointments.
The bandage should be tight enough, but at the same time, not squeeze the lower leg, preventing normal blood circulation. If the blood vessels are squeezed too hard, the person will feel numbness in the limb. There are several rules that allow bandaging with maximum reliability, ensuring a comfortable state of the damaged joint.
The bandage is applied in turns, in the direction from right to left. Begin the procedure from the bottom of the ankle, gradually rising up. The turns of the bandage should lie down neatly and evenly. Crossing of the fabric, strong wrinkles should be avoided. Each turn of the bandage should overlap the previous one by about 2-3 cm. It is recommended to fasten the bandage in the thinnest part of the ankle.
During the procedure, the patient should be in a comfortable position with a slightly elevated leg. The foot should be perpendicular to the lower leg. Usually, the bandage takes up to 1.5 meters of bandage. At the end of the procedure, the back of the foot should be almost completely covered with a dressing, and the heel, on the contrary, should be open.
No less often, people are faced with the problem of how to make a tight bandage on the knee joint. Knees often suffer during icy conditions. Despite the weather conditions, people prefer the beauty of shoes to their comfort, therefore, the chance of injury is very high. It is better to prepare for the possibility of injury in advance by studying the rules for applying a bandage to the knee with a possible sprain. This is only the first aid, which is necessary to eliminate the risk of further damage, as well as to reduce the painful syndrome. The optimal treatment will be prescribed by an orthopedist, who should be consulted as soon as possible after the injury.
Usually, first aid includes rest, cooling the knee joint to relieve swelling of the tissues, and applying a bandage. As in the case of the ankle, the knee joint should be bandaged tightly, avoiding strong squeezing and pinching of the blood vessels. An elastic bandage with a width of 10 cm is considered the most suitable. Do not immediately unwind a large amount of bandage. It is much easier to spin the roll little by little. In this case, the bandage will turn out to be even, without pronounced wrinkles and kinks of the material.
The end of the bandage is applied to the damaged area and the bandage is started in a circular motion. The first turn is performed in the middle of the most voluminous part of the joint. In case of tissue damage and bleeding, the wound is pre-treated and covered with a sterile napkin. The next turn is directed upwards, trying not to overlap more than a third of the previous turn. After that, the bandage is turned downwards, also, leaving it open about the third part of the previously applied coil. In principle, the technique of bandaging the knee joint resembles the "eight". Each turn is located above or below the thickened middle of the knee. Thus, they achieve a tight fixation of the damaged organ. You can secure the bandage with a safety pin or band-aid.
Often, a person with signs of a sprain is in no hurry to visit a medical facility, preferring to carry out the treatment on their own. In this case, it is necessary to take into account several rules that will avoid the risk of further injury. You should not play sports and exercise excessive physical activity until the damaged joint is fully restored. A new injury can lead to a rupture of the ligaments, which will require specific treatment up to surgery. If you need to leave the house, it is better to use flat shoes. If the bandage strongly compresses the joint, leading to tissue numbness, it is necessary to perform it again, ensuring blood flow. It is advisable to observe the rest mode for the first time after injury, without exposing the leg to loads.
A properly applied tight bandage will allow you to eliminate unpleasant, painful symptoms in a short time. But, nevertheless, it is better to carry out treatment after consultation and under the supervision of an orthopedist.
Since ancient times, people have been accustomed to bandaging everything for faster healing of wounds. An elastic knee bandage is one of these remedies. Below we will analyze how it differs from other bandages and why it is needed.
What are elastic bandages and what are they for? As soon as bandages were invented, they began to be divided into antiseptic and pre-antiseptic. The forerunner of the elastic bandage was the knitted bandage, which served the same function as the modern "rubber" bandage. These bandages are made for repeated use, because they are not intended for open wounds.
Types of elastic bandages
Bandages are different in width, length and degree of stretching. Before buying, you must carefully study the variety of bandages:
Low compliance (30-100%) is designed to treat chronic vein problems such as: venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis. Very handy for first aid when you need to immediately apply a long-term bandage. They give a strong fixation of additional funds on the affected area without any discomfort. Medium extensibility (100-150%) is used to treat varicose veins, diseases with trophic and post-phlebitis syndromes. Very effective for maintaining tissue after removal of plaster and compression sclerotherapy. High extensibility (150% or more) is used for a less severe degree of varicose veins, for the treatment of post-phlebitis diseases. It is very convenient after surgery for edema, to support joints after injuries and operations, for patients who are in bed.
Before you buy a bandage, you should read some recommendations in this regard:
it is better to consult a specialist; you need to pay attention to extensibility (depending on what kind of injury); it is more profitable to choose a company that has already established itself in the market (this way you will save on the long service life of the bandage); depending on the injury, a different length of elastic bandage will be required; if a “tight” bandage was prescribed by a doctor, then he must clarify which particular bandage should be purchased.
An elastic bandage is much more profitable and more comfortable than a conventional medical bandage. Firstly, a rubberized bandage can be wound a second time, when a regular bandage stretches and deforms after the first use, although it costs less, it will last much less than an elastic bandage.
Elastic bandage has very useful properties. It especially helps athletes, since they are very often injured (sprain, bruise, dislocation, or just joint pain). When stretched, the bandage fixes the sore spot very well and does not allow for unnecessary movements. Such a bandage also has the ability to warm, so that before you wrap the affected area, you can rub a warming ointment, the effect of which will enhance the "bandage".
Rules for applying a bandage to the knee
In most cases, a bandage is applied to the knee due to damage or excessive stress on the joint, or after surgery. Sometimes athletes, in particular athletes before training or competition, wrap their knee to prevent injury. Because during an athletic load, the main "blow" falls on the knee joint. And for its safety, you can pre-bandage and fix the knee.
So, the instruction says that you need to apply a bandage, following clear instructions. The process of applying a bandage to the knee:
First of all, you need to buy a bandage at a pharmacy or a sports store. Sellers can offer bandages with different fasteners, you should choose according to your own taste. You should sit down so that the leg is in a relaxed position. The roll must be held in one hand, and its free end in the other. Next, attach the free end behind the knee, just below the cup. The edge of the bandage should follow the crease line under the knee. Next, you need to bandage the leg, blocking the free end. Each new layer should slightly block the previous one. For greater comfort and an even bandage, you need to slightly pull the bandage, but not too tight so as not to disrupt blood circulation. When finished with the lower part of the knee, you should move on to the upper. Everything is done in the same way, but you need to monitor the uniform coverage of the bandage. After completing all the manipulations with winding, you need to fix the remaining end of the bandage. This can be done with special locks or simply tuck the end under any layer. After that, you need to bandage the other leg in the same way. For convenience, you should check whether the bandage is tight and does not restrict movement. To do this, you can sit down or bend your legs several times. If it is tied too tight, it is better to straighten it a little, otherwise it will be uncomfortable later.
When you have acquired the skills of how to properly bandage joints or injury sites, you can get acquainted with a number of tips on how and in what cases to use an elastic knee bandage.
You need to bandage in a relaxed state. If there was a leg injury, then it is better to apply a bandage in bed in the morning. An elastic bandage must be applied evenly, because microtrauma of the skin can occur. In order to avoid untimely stretching of the bandage, it is required to open it only outward and close to the skin. Each level of dressing should overlap the previous one by 20-50%. As the bandaging is completed, the tightness should be slightly loosened. The bandaging area should be slightly larger than the injury area (10-15 cm). Discard unusable bandages that have lost their rubber properties. Bandages can be applied after warming up the muscles (warm-up or special ointment). During training in the gym, you need to use bandages only when working with heavy weights. In other cases, it is superfluous and will not bring any benefit. Again, in the gym between sets of strength exercises, it is better to unbind your leg so that the skin breathes.
Side effects
Too frequent and tight dressing may cause damage to the inner surface of the cup.
If the bandage is tied very tightly, this will lead to excessive friction between the two bone surfaces.
For the same reasons, muscle tissue can also be damaged. Therefore, you need to be very careful when carrying out such procedures.
Sometimes excessively frequent use of bandages is fraught with psychological dependence. This applies to athletes who are engaged in strength training in gyms with exercise machines. Sometimes a person gets so used to working with bandages that after that he can no longer complete the exercise until he ties the bandage. Although the bandage is just a precaution, one might think that without it, something will break or fail.
Is there an alternative?
For greater convenience and fixation, special knee pads were invented. They mean lightweight "dressing", that is, just put it on - that's all. Stores that specialize in the sale of this kind of products offer special bandages with inserted ribs to regulate the rigidity of the fixation.
In most cases, special knee pads perform the same functions as an elastic bandage. They support the joint, help reduce pain and reduce swelling. There are also special bandages with orthopedic properties.
Reinforced knee pads are used in such cases:
dislocation; paralysis; arthrosis; synovitis; infection.
Knee pads, however, have a slight advantage over a simple elastic bandage: they are distinguished by the ability to prevent muscle atrophy and guarantee the freedom of the limbs. They improve blood circulation and thus have a positive effect on the injured joint or vice versa act as a preventive measure.
In any case, the choice is yours. Many athletes use knee pads because of the convenience and speed of their application, and some still use an elastic bandage. Your preference should be given to a tool that is more convenient for individual needs and characteristics. An elastic bandage on the knee is a more beneficial means for prevention, when a bandage is already a more serious remedy with a strong orthopedic effect.
Since ancient times, people have been accustomed to bandaging everything for faster healing of wounds. An elastic knee bandage is one of these remedies. Below we will analyze how it differs from other bandages and why it is needed.
What is it and why are they needed? As soon as bandages were invented, they began to be divided into antiseptic and pre-antiseptic. The forerunner of the elastic bandage was the knitted bandage, which served the same function as the modern "rubber" bandage. These bandages are made for repeated use, because they are not intended for open wounds.
Procedure for applying an elastic bandage to the knee
In most cases, a bandage is applied to the knee due to damage or excessive stress on the joint, or after surgery. Sometimes athletes, in particular athletes before training or competition, wrap their knee to prevent injury. Because during an athletic load, the main "blow" falls on the knee joint. And for its safety, you can pre-bandage and fix the knee.
So, the instruction says that you need to apply a bandage, following clear instructions. The process of applying a bandage to the knee:
- First of all, you need to buy a bandage at a pharmacy or a sports store. Sellers can offer bandages with different fasteners, you should choose according to your own taste.
- You should sit down so that the leg is in a relaxed position.
- The roll must be held in one hand, and its free end in the other. Next, attach the free end behind the knee, just below the cup. The edge of the bandage should follow the crease line under the knee.
- Next, you need to bandage the leg, blocking the free end. Each new layer should slightly block the previous one. For greater comfort and an even bandage, you need to slightly pull the bandage, but not too tight so as not to disrupt blood circulation.
- When finished with the lower part of the knee, you should move on to the upper. Everything is done in the same way, but you need to monitor the uniform coverage of the bandage.
- After completing all the manipulations with winding, you need to fix the remaining end of the bandage. This can be done with special locks or simply tuck the end under any layer.
- After that, you need to bandage the other leg in the same way.
- For convenience, you should check whether the bandage is tight and does not restrict movement. To do this, you can sit down or bend your legs several times. If it is tied too tight, it is better to straighten it a little, otherwise it will be uncomfortable later.
Rules for the use of bandages
When you have acquired the skills of how to properly bandage joints or injury sites, you can get acquainted with a number of tips on how and in what cases to use an elastic knee bandage.
- You need to bandage in a relaxed state. If there was a leg injury, then it is better to apply a bandage in bed in the morning.
- An elastic bandage must be applied evenly, because microtrauma of the skin can occur.
- In order to avoid untimely stretching of the bandage, it is required to open it only outward and close to the skin.
- Each level of dressing should overlap the previous one by 20-50%.
- As the bandaging is completed, the tightness should be slightly loosened.
- The bandaging area should be slightly larger than the injury area (10-15 cm).
- Discard unusable bandages that have lost their rubber properties.
- Bandages can be applied after warming up the muscles (warm-up or special ointment).
- During training in the gym, you need to use bandages only when working with heavy weights. In other cases, it is superfluous and will not bring any benefit.
- Again, in the gym between sets of strength exercises, it is better to unbind your leg so that the skin breathes.
Too frequent and tight dressing may cause damage to the inner surface of the cup.
If the bandage is tied very tightly, this will lead to excessive friction between the two bone surfaces.
For the same reasons, muscle tissue can also be damaged. Therefore, you need to be very careful when carrying out such procedures.
Sometimes excessively frequent use of bandages is fraught with psychological dependence. This applies to athletes who are engaged in strength training in gyms with exercise machines. Sometimes a person gets so used to working with bandages that after that he can no longer complete the exercise until he ties the bandage. Although the bandage is just a precaution, one might think that without it, something will break or fail.
Before you buy a bandage, you should read some recommendations in this regard:
- it is better to consult a specialist;
- you need to pay attention to extensibility (depending on what kind of injury);
- it is more profitable to choose a company that has already established itself in the market (this way you will save on the long service life of the bandage);
- depending on the injury, a different length of elastic bandage will be required;
- if a “tight” bandage was prescribed by a doctor, then he must clarify which particular bandage should be purchased.
An elastic bandage is much more profitable and more comfortable than a conventional medical bandage. Firstly, a rubberized bandage can be wound a second time, when a regular bandage stretches and deforms after the first use, although it costs less, it will last much less than an elastic bandage.
Elastic bandage has very useful properties. It especially helps athletes, since they are very often injured (sprain, bruise, dislocation, or just joint pain). When stretched, the bandage fixes the sore spot very well and does not allow for unnecessary movements. Such a bandage also has the ability to warm, so that before you wrap the affected area, you can rub a warming ointment, the effect of which will enhance the "bandage".
Bandages are different in width, length and degree of stretching. Before buying, you must carefully study the variety of bandages:
- Low compliance (30-100%) is designed to treat chronic vein problems such as: venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis. Very handy for first aid when you need to immediately apply a long-term bandage. They give a strong fixation of additional funds on the affected area without any discomfort.
- Medium extensibility (100-150%) is used to treat varicose veins, diseases with trophic and post-phlebitis syndromes. Very effective for maintaining tissue after removal of plaster and compression sclerotherapy.
- High extensibility (150% or more) is used for a less severe degree of varicose veins, for the treatment of post-phlebitis diseases. It is very convenient after surgery for edema, to support joints after injuries and operations, for patients who are in bed.
What can replace the bandage
For greater convenience and fixation, they came up with. They mean lightweight "dressing", that is, just put it on - that's all. Stores that specialize in the sale of this kind of products offer special bandages with inserted ribs to regulate the rigidity of the fixation.
In most cases, special knee pads perform the same functions as an elastic bandage. They support the joint, help reduce pain and reduce swelling. There are also special bandages with orthopedic properties.
Reinforced knee pads are used in such cases:
- dislocation;
- paralysis;
- synovitis;
- infection.
Knee pads, however, have a slight advantage over a simple elastic bandage: they are distinguished by the ability to prevent muscle atrophy and guarantee the freedom of the limbs. They improve blood circulation and thus have a positive effect on the injured joint or vice versa act as a preventive measure.
In any case, the choice is yours. Many athletes use knee pads because of the convenience and speed of their application, and some still use an elastic bandage. Your preference should be given to a tool that is more convenient for individual needs and characteristics. An elastic bandage on the knee is a more beneficial means for prevention, when a bandage is already a more serious remedy with a strong orthopedic effect.
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There are many reasons why you should wrap your knees with a bandage. You can bandage your knees while playing sports (such as weightlifting) or apply a bandage to an injured knee joint. Although this seems like a simple matter, certain rules must be followed so as not to injure the knee. In this article, you will learn how to properly bandage your knee with a bandage.
Steps
Part 1
How to bandage your knee- You can also purchase a self-adhesive bandage that has an adhesive coating on one side. There are also bandages with Velcro around the edges. Choose the bandage that you think is best for you.
- Bandages are available in different sizes. Choose the bandage that suits you.
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Take the correct posture. When bandaging the knee, take the correct position. First, sit in a place where nothing will restrict your freedom of movement. Second, extend the corresponding leg in front of you. It is necessary to properly stretch the leg, without straining it at the same time and relaxing at the knee so that it remains slightly bent.
Start dressing. Take a bandage in your hand. Do not unwind it yet - it is more convenient to gradually dissolve the bandage, wrapping it around the knee. Place your hand with the bandage on your leg, about two inches below your knee joint. Take the free end of the bandage and pull it just below the knee. Holding the free end with one hand, unwind the bandage around the knee with the other. Wrap the bandage once around the knee, returning to the free end. Pull the bandage on so that it fits snugly around your leg.
Put a bandage on your knee. Wrap the bandage around your knee, pulling it tight and gradually working your way up your leg. When wrapping the kneecap, leave a small gap between the leg and the bandage, about the size of a finger. Wind the bandage until you completely bandage the knee joint. Secure the end of the bandage with Velcro, tape, or zip ties.
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Make sure the bandage is not too tight. Do not tighten the bandage too tight. The bandage should fit snugly to the leg, but not squeeze it. To check if the bandage is too tight, try sticking your index finger under it. He must go under the bandage. It is necessary that the bandage tightly wraps around the knee, supporting it, but it should not impede blood circulation.
Part 2
In what cases should you bandage your knee with a bandage?-
Decide if you need to bandage your knee. There are many reasons why you should put a bandage on your knees. Many wrap their knees with a bandage before playing sports, further strengthening the knee joints. Some people apply a bandage after a partial ligament tear, providing external support to the joint. Weightlifters bandage their knees before squatting to strengthen them.
- If you have a knee injury or suspect you have injured it, see a doctor before you resume your active lifestyle.
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Use a bandage for prevention. Knee bandages are used not only for serious injuries and diseases. The knees are tied with a bandage and to prevent damage and injury. The bandage additionally strengthens the knee joint, helping it to withstand significant loads painlessly.
- The only injury in which a bandage is applied to the knee is a first-degree knee sprain. Such a stretch can only be diagnosed by a qualified specialist.
- If you have injured your knee, seek help from an orthopedic surgeon. This will reduce your risk of re-injury. Don't try to diagnose yourself.
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Do not bandage your knee for any serious injury. In many cases, a bandage is not needed. If you have a torn ACL or any other ligament, do not bandage your knee unless directed by an orthopedic surgeon. You should also not apply a conventional knee bandage in case of a rupture of the internal or external meniscus.
- You may want to bandage your knee if the bandage helps with the injury and your doctor has no objection to using it before surgery.
- Never apply a bandage to try to repair a very unstable joint by simple fixation.
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Gather everything you need. You will need the right material to wrap around your knee. Get a special knee bandage, also called a pressure bandage, or a compression bandage. Such a bandage can be bought in many supermarkets or pharmacies. The ACE brand of elastic bandage is the most popular, but other brands of bandages are also available. You will also need something to secure the bandage. Most bandages come with elastic clasps that have metal hooks, but if you bought a bandage without clasps, find something to secure it with, such as a safety pin.