Many people who are active or work using their arms have elbow injuries, such as tennis elbow (tennis elbow, which is pain and inflammation of the joint on the outside of the elbow) or tendinitis (inflammation of the tendons). If you or a family member has pain and discomfort in your arm, you may need to wrap your elbow to help heal and relieve the pain. There are various ways to bandage your elbow, such as bandaging and bandaging. You may also need to take additional measures to heal your elbow injury and relieve any pain or discomfort you are experiencing.
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Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Wrap the Elbow
Step 1. Identify different options for dressing an injury
There are various options that can be used to wrap and support the elbow. Several options, such as trainer's tape, kinesiology tape, and tubular bandages can help limit movement of the elbow causing discomfort. This bandage can also reduce pressure on the injured tissue and allow blood to flow more easily to the injured area.
- Sports and kinesiology plasters are usually best suited for muscle injuries. The tape stretches when you move, which makes it comfortable to wear and practical if you are an active person or want to keep exercising.
- If your skin is sensitive, try using a quick release bandage (quick release tape), which combines the strength of a sports tape and a kinesiology tape that is less likely to irritate the skin when applied or removed.
- A tubular bandage is applied to the injured area, then secured with a small bandage or bandage. It's also a great option for sensitive skin.
- Tubular bandages are perfect for bandaging joints or even covering plasters.
- You can buy sports tapes and kinesiology tapes at pharmacies, drugstores, or sports supply stores. You can also buy them at major retail stores.
- Try bandaging your elbows with duct tape, which can also serve as support, like sports tape or kinesiology tape.
- Some experts recommend using black duct tape because it can stick firmly to sweaty skin.
Step 2. Purchase a bandage for an elbow injury
Get a bandage to wrap, wrap, and support the elbow. The bandage can support the elbow and help relieve swelling.
- You can use almost any medical bandage sold at pharmacies, drug stores, and even sports supply stores.
- Make sure you buy a bandage that's long enough to wrap around your elbow so that it can support it and keep it from moving.
- You should also purchase medical tape or pins to secure the bandage so it doesn't slide or fall off.
Step 3. Prepare the skin to be wrapped and bandaged
Prepare the forearm skin for wrapping or wrapping by cleaning and shaving, if necessary. In addition to removing dust and dirt (which allows the bandage to adhere more effectively), it can also prevent discomfort when the tape or bandage is removed.
- Remove oil, sweat, and dirt on the skin using warm water and a gentle cleanser. This can reduce the risk of the bandage or tape not sticking properly to the arm.
- You can use any type of mild soap to clean your arms. Do not forget to rinse or remove the remaining soap until clean.
- If you don't want to use underwrap (see next step), or if your arms are covered with hair, you may need to shave your arms.
- Shave your arms carefully so you don't scratch the skin and cause cuts.
Step 4. Protect the skin before you wrap or bandage the arm
If you don't want to apply the tape or bandage directly to the skin, apply underwrap (a type of thin foam) to the skin before applying the bandage. If you want to use underwrap, know that this product is actually no better than using plaster alone.
- You don't have to apply underwrap or skin adhesive before wrapping the bandage or tape.
- Spray leather adhesive and/or apply underwrap on the area of the arm that you want to wrap.
- You can buy leather adhesive or underwrap at pharmacies, drugstores, or sports supply stores.
Step 5. Cut the plaster you want to use
You may have to cut the tape before you bandage your elbow, depending on whether the tape you purchased is in strips or rounds. Trimming the strip early is useful to make sure it's the right length so you don't waste plaster.
- Cut the tape about the length of the forearm. You may also need some shorter cuts.
- Rounding the edges of the tape can make it easier for you to wrap it around.
- If the tape has a protective tape on the back, you will need to remove it before applying the tape.
Part 2 of 3: Wrapping the Plaster and Bandage
Step 1. Ask for help
You may find it difficult to bandage or wrap your elbow with one hand. Ask a family member or friend to help you apply and wrap the bandage. Plaster can be wrapped properly if you get help from someone else.
Step 2. Raise the arm to be wrapped or bandaged with tape
Raise the arm you want to wrap or wrap to the side. Keep your elbows straight and bend your wrists so that your fingers point down.
- If you can't lift your arm, try propping it up with a chair or sofa to lift your arm.
- Without stretching it, apply the tape along the arm, just below the elbow.
- Use the same steps when using a bandage. Start at the wrist, and continue placing the bandage until it reaches a point below the elbow.
Step 3. Continue to place the tape along the arm
You will need two more sheets of tape to cover the elbow. This is to ensure that the elbow gets optimal support and remains stable.
- Make sure the tape is tight, but don't wrap it too tightly, as this can hinder circulation.
- If your skin is irritated or throbbing, it may be that the bandage or bandage is too tight, preventing circulation. Immediately remove the bandage/plaster and wrap it more loosely.
Step 4. Wrap the tape or bandage around the forearm
Wrap the tape or bandage around the front of the forearm diagonally in a downward motion. This can provide additional support to the elbow and forearm area.
- Add the final bandage around the top of the wrist.
- Wrap the remaining bandage around the arm. Apply bandages overlapping. The bandage should be able to cover the elbow and arm area snugly and comfortably.
- If you need extra support or are still experiencing pain, add some more bandage, or wrap the arm more tightly.
Step 5. Lock the bandage
After wrapping the elbow, lock the bandage so it doesn't come off. This can be done by attaching the end of the bandage with pins, clips, or a bandage.
Step 6. Check the tightness of the bandage
Take a short walk before you do anything. If the tape or bandage is too tight, you'll need to remove it and re-wrap it around your elbow for good support and comfort.
- Check if your circulation is normal. Check the pulse to see if the bandage is too tight. If the pulse is between 60 and 100, your circulation is fine and the bandage is not too tight. Swollen fingers or a feeling of tightness indicate that the bandage is too tight and needs to be loosened.
- You can also use the nail method. Press on one of the nails, and see how long it takes for the nail to return to its pink color. If it takes more than 4 seconds, the circulation is blocked and the bandage is too tight.
Part 3 of 3: Encouraging Injury Healing
Step 1. Rest your elbows and arms
Rest or do light activities. Not moving much, resting, and doing light activities will speed healing of the elbow and minimize pain.
- Don't do high-impact sports like tennis or running. Try low-intensity exercise such as walking or cycling.
- You should also rest your arm completely for a few days or weeks.
- Start using the injured area more often after you've rested. This will help reduce stiffness. If this causes pain, stop your movement and see a doctor or get some more rest.
Step 2. Apply ice to elbows and arms
Place an ice pack (ice bag of frozen gel) or a cold compress on the elbow and arm. This can reduce swelling and pain. Be sure to put something in between the skin and the ice (can be a bandage or towel) to protect the skin from damage.
- You can use the ice pack as needed for about 20 minutes at a time up to 5 times a day.
- You can freeze water in a styrofoam cup to massage gently on your elbows and arms.
- If it is too cold or the skin becomes numb, remove the ice pack.
Step 3. Take pain medication
Take pain medication to treat severe discomfort or pain. This medication can relieve pain and reduce swelling.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
- Ibuprofen or naproxen sodium acts as an anti-inflammatory which can be used to reduce swelling.
Step 4. Go to the doctor
If bandages, plasters, and other methods don't relieve your elbow problem, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may be able to tell if you have a serious injury and will provide effective treatment.
- You can go to a GP or orthopedist, who specializes in treating disorders such as shin splints (pain along the shin) or tennis elbow.
- Perhaps the doctor will examine the elbow and forearm to feel and look for signs of injury. He or she will also ask about your medical history, such as the types of activities you do and what you have done to reduce pain and speed healing.
- Your doctor may run tests such as an MRI or X-ray to examine your elbow and arm in more detail. This is useful so that he can make a proper diagnosis.
