How to bandage a knee with an elastic bandage for a sprain. How to properly bandage and fix the knee and ankle joint with an elastic bandage? Knee bandaging technique

There is an idea that bandages can protect your knees from injury. This is not entirely true. In practice, a bandage on the knee fixes the damaged area and prevents the joint from falling out.

When performing physical exercises, a bandage for a weak knee will allow you to put more stress on the body. As a result, the muscles will be strengthened more effectively and the legs will gain strength. This is especially true when performing a series of squats with a load.

Special bandages for injured knees promote rapid recovery of the joint. They play the role of bondage and stabilize the area in the correct position.

Types and their purpose

There are various categories that have their own characteristics and quality characteristics. In practice, regular medical or elastic knee bandages are used. The latter are the most effective because they bring more benefits. Their structure allows for recycling.

They are profitable and comfortable to use. Certain products in this group provide the ability to warm the affected area.

According to the classification according to the criterion of the material being manufactured, it is customary to distinguish bandages:

• low elasticity;
• medium elasticity;
• high elasticity.

The first category is characterized by a low degree of extensibility. This product can only stretch 69% of its length. They usually serve to treat serious diseases such as late-stage varicose veins or venous insufficiency.

Average elasticity allows you to fasten blood vessels on the limbs after operations. Such a product can stretch 70-140% more than its full length. Serve to prevent the progression of the disease.

Bandages with a high degree of elasticity are considered complex and universal. They are often used in the presence of bruises, during sports activities, to provide high pressure on the wrapped area.

Application methods

Many information sources contain instructions for applying bandages to injured knees. You can find videos, read information in books or medical manuals.

Universal method

The classic version of bandaging is to apply it with oblique or rotary ties. First, the bandage is placed below the knee a couple of ten centimeters. After securing, wrap it tangentially under the kneecap to the thigh. The length of the entire bandage should not be less than 30-40 cm.

Popular option

The turtle bandage has become widespread among the methods of applying a bandage to the knee joint. According to this method, winding can be done in a descending or diverging manner. The first option involves applying two layers above and below the joint. Subsequently, each skein is alternated to the middle of the knee. With the divergent bandaging method, everything happens the other way around. Begin to wind from the center of the joint to a round higher or lower.

Elementary bandage

The circular method of fixing the knee is considered the simplest type of wrapping. Hold the end of the bandage with one hand, and use the other to make the bandage itself using rotational movements. It is necessary to monitor the overlap of revolutions on each other.

Spiral

Knee bandages secured using the spiral method are difficult to use. Proper wrapping of the injured knee begins with circular unwinding. Subsequently, they move on to oblique tours, which overlap each other by half. The presence of kinks and loose fit of the bandage turns is allowed.

Fixing bandage

The cross-shaped method of wrapping has securing functions. The bandage is wound in several layers on the thighs, then passed through the knee joint to the calves. Repeat the steps in reverse order, gradually shifting the layers a few centimeters towards the knee. The procedure lasts until the rounds converge on the knee joint. The fixing stage includes a circular wrapping of the affected area of ​​the leg.

Basic Rules

It is necessary to monitor the tightness of the bandage. Strong placement will lead to tightening of the veins and painful sensations, weak placement will cause the bandage to slip and become knocked down.

Each winding must overlap the previous one. For efficiency and even wrapping, it is necessary to tighten the bandage. You can move at least 20 cm away from the damaged area. The procedure should be carried out with two hands - one holds the roll, the other secures the free end.

The knee bandages should wrap tightly around the injured area without causing discomfort. This tool should provide not only fixation of the joint, but also freedom of movement.

Elastic bands should be worn during exercise if the exercise involves lifting heavy weights. In other cases, between approaches or when doing a warm-up, it is advisable to free the body from the bandage due to unnecessary use.

Proper bandaging involves providing different pressure on individual areas of the leg. The greatest impact should be on the area below the joint. Closer to the knee, it is necessary to gradually reduce the winding force, and apply light wrapping in the femoral part. Thanks to this principle, there are no complications associated with squeezing of blood vessels.

The procedure must be carried out in a relaxed state of the victim. The bandage is applied in a sitting or standing position.

To avoid squeezing your knees, it is advisable to remove the bandage at night and give your body a rest.

Conclusion

A person's life is not complete without injuries and sprains. They can be obtained almost anywhere, from sports activities to a regular walk. This especially affects the knees, which are part of the human musculoskeletal system.

Properly wrapped bandages for injured or weak knees are considered an excellent way to protect and strengthen the joint. However, there are cases when the bandage is not recommended for use: for skin inflammation and infections. Therefore, before using this remedy in serious cases, you should consult your doctor. He will help you choose the right type of bandage and ensure proper bandaging.

Knee bandages are used to protect the joint from external influences. Bandages are used to contain medications, protect affected areas from contamination, stop bleeding, and provide rest or immobility during a sprain or injury.

Types of dressings

An accident can happen to any person, which may result in damage to the skin, disruption of the integrity of bone, cartilage tissue or knee mobility. In such cases, the person requires emergency help. However, in case of injury, fracture or sprain, it is not always possible to immediately consult a doctor.

To provide first aid, apply a bandage that will help protect open wounds from infection and the damaged joint from unnecessary movements. Depending on the type of joint damage, methods of applying a bandage are chosen.

We can 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 tissue. This bandage helps protect the wound, especially an 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 purpose, a bactericidal adhesive plaster, gauze or bandage with the use of disinfecting drugs can be used. Pressure used to apply to the knee during bleeding caused by injury. A hemostatic bandage or gauze is applied rather tightly around the damaged area. Immobilizers, which are used for dislocations or sprains. A fixing bandage helps protect the knee from unnecessary stress, which helps avoid complications and additional damage. If it is necessary to protect the leg during a fracture, a solid dressing material is used for fixation.

Methods for applying bandages

Bandage dressings are common in medical practice. A material such as a bandage is considered universal. It has all the qualities that a dressing material should have. It is distinguished by its density, elasticity and ability to pass air. Bandages can be made from various materials, such as gauze, elastic or dense fabrics.

Methods for applying a bandage are chosen depending on the type of joint damage.

To protect and stabilize the knee, apply a bandage in the form of a bandage:

circular (circular); spiral ascending or descending; eight-shaped or cruciform; creeping or serpentine; spicate; tortoiseshell, which can be divergent or convergent; complex.

Each bandage has its own requirements for application technique. Some injuries require a combination of several types and methods of dressing.

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 turtle bandage.

A tortoiseshell bandage can be applied to the knee joint in two ways:

Convergent dressing is used for damage to the joint itself. A divergent dressing is required if the periarticular areas are injured.

How is a converging bandage applied?

Both gauze and elastic bandages can be used for this dressing. Convergent dressing is necessary to immobilize the joint in case of intra-articular injuries or when the integrity of the skin or soft tissue directly on the surface of the joint is violated.

If there are open wounds, sterile bandages are used for dressing. In this case, you must wash your hands thoroughly and carry out all manipulations using disposable gloves. These methods will help prevent germs from entering an open wound.

The converging dressing 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 securing turns around the knee. Further rounds alternate above and below the joint, crossing at the knee area. Each new round must overlap the previous one by half. The dressing ends in the center of the knee, where it is secured.

After bandaging, it is necessary to check the tightness and correctness of the bandage.

Video

Video - Immobilizing bandage on the knee

How is a dilapidated dressing applied?

The need for this type of dressing appears when there is damage to the periarticular areas.

The technique of applying dressings is similar to the previous technique with the exception of:

Bandaging begins from the middle of the knee. The last rounds occur in the area above the knee joint, where the bandage is secured.

Regardless of the method of applying the dressings, it is necessary to check its density and quality. A correctly applied bandage does not create obstacles to the natural movements of the joint, does not put pressure on the skin and blood vessels, and does not provoke painful or unpleasant sensations.

Therapeutic bandages

Quite often, therapeutic bandages are used for therapeutic purposes in case of joint pathologies. To do this, you can use ready-made ointments, tinctures of healing injuries, applications from plant materials, minerals and ready-made medical dressings.

Saline dressing

Salt, due to its physical and chemical properties, is a sought-after raw material that is used to treat joint pathologies.

Salt helps treat joint pathologies

Salt therapy helps saturate tissues with minerals, warm the joint, improve blood flow and reduce swelling.

Typically, patients are recommended to take a salt bath or heat with salt. But more effective is a salt dressing, which has a local effect. Thanks to the evaporation of the saline solution with which the bandage is soaked, 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, use ordinary water in which sea salt is dissolved. Gauze folded in 8 layers is soaked in this solution. You can also use cotton fabric, which must be pre-washed and ironed.

A saline gauze bandage is first applied over the joint, and then wrapped with a regular bandage on top. It is not recommended to wrap such a medical bandage with 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. The procedures are repeated every other day or carried 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 headbands

Magnetic therapy is effectively used to restore metabolic processes in the knee. The action of the magnetic field helps eliminate pain, reduce inflammation, which promotes recovery.

Procedures using magnetic influence can be carried out not only in physiotherapy rooms. For the convenience of patients, special dressings are produced that can easily be used at home.

The magnetic knee bandage is equipped with 24 magnets and special Velcro that allows you to attach it to your knee. The use of such a device is recommended for patients with arthritis, arthrosis, and those who have sustained a knee injury.

A specific bandage, thanks to the creation of a magnetic field, helps:

Increase the flow of oxygen and nutrients to the pathological area by improving blood flow. Eliminate or significantly reduce pain, swelling and inflammation. Improve the condition of the ligamentous and muscle tissues of the joint. Strengthen the process of regeneration of cartilage tissue.

This bandage can be used both during exacerbation of inflammatory processes and rehabilitation after injuries and operations, as well as for preventive purposes in case of chronic joint pathologies.

Treatment with a magnetic bandage is carried out in courses that can consist of 30 procedures. The bandage is applied directly to the knee and secured with Velcro. This device is worn until the effect is achieved.

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 necessary.

Magnetic treatment is prohibited:

during pregnancy; patients with pacemakers; in the presence of open wounds or infectious lesions on the skin at the site of application of the bandage.

Magnetic treatment can be used as monotherapy or in combination with medications 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 bandage the sprain tightly.

The ankle joint suffers especially often in winter, when the risk of injury due to slippery roads increases. However, this injury often occurs among athletes who subject their joints to heavy loads. 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 is provided in 4 stages. First of all, the victim must be ensured peace. Next, apply an appropriate bandage, fixing the injured joint. If the pain is severe enough, painkillers can be used. After providing first aid, you should contact an orthopedist who will assess the extent of the damage and prescribe treatment.

To apply a bandage, it is better to use an elastic bandage, as it has high plasticity and is not subject to deformation. Once the bandage is done tightly, you don’t have to worry about the bandage slipping or stretching. Also, the elastic bandage can be easily removed if it is necessary to treat the sprain 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 compressed too much, the person will feel numbness in the limb. There are several rules that allow you to carry out bandaging with maximum reliability, ensuring a comfortable condition for the damaged joint.

The bandage is applied in turns, from right to left. The procedure begins from the bottom of the ankle, gradually moving up. The wraps of the bandage should lie neatly and evenly. Crisscrossing of tissue and severe wrinkles should be avoided. Each turn of the bandage should overlap the previous one by approximately 2–3 cm. It is recommended to attach the bandage to the thinnest part of the ankle.

During the procedure, the patient should be in a comfortable position with the leg slightly elevated. The foot should be perpendicular to the shin. Typically, a bandage takes up to 1.5 meters of bandage. Upon completion of the procedure, the back of the foot should be almost completely covered with dressing material, 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 over their comfort, therefore, the chance of getting injured 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 in case of a possible sprain. This is only first aid, which is necessary to eliminate the risk of further damage, as well as to reduce the pain syndrome. The optimal treatment will be prescribed by an orthopedist, who should be consulted as soon as possible after the injury.

Typically, first aid includes rest, cooling the knee joint to relieve tissue swelling, and applying a bandage. As in the case of the ankle, the knee joint should be bandaged tightly, avoiding strong compression and pinching of the blood vessels. The most suitable is an elastic bandage, the width of which is 10 cm. Do not unwind a large amount of bandage at once. It is much easier to unwind the roll little by little. In this case, the bandage will be smooth, without pronounced wrinkles or kinks in the material.

The end of the bandage is applied to the damaged area and the bandage begins 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 upward, trying not to overlap more than a third of the previous turn. After this, make a turn of the bandage in a downward direction, also leaving about a third of the previously applied turn open. In principle, the knee joint bandaging technique resembles a figure eight. Each turn is located above or below the thickened middle of the knee. In this way, tight fixation of the damaged organ is achieved. You can secure the bandage using a safety pin or tape.

Often, a person with signs of a sprain is in no hurry to visit a medical facility, preferring to carry out 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 engage in sports or excessive physical activity until the damaged joint is completely restored. A new injury can lead to ligament rupture, which will require specific treatment, including surgery. If you need to leave the house, it is better to wear flat-soled shoes. If the bandage puts too much pressure on the joint, leading to numbness of the tissues, it is necessary to apply it again, ensuring blood flow. It is advisable to maintain a rest regime for the first time after injury, without exposing the leg to stress.

A properly applied tight bandage will 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 look at how it differs from other bandages and what it is needed for.

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 predecessor of the elastic bandage was a knitted bandage, which performed the same functions as the modern “rubber” bandage. These bandages are designed for repeated use because they are not intended for open wounds.

Types of elastic bandages

Bandages come in different widths, lengths and degrees of stretch. Before purchasing, you need to carefully study the type of bandages:

Low distensibility (30-100%) is designed for the treatment of chronic vein problems, such as: venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis. Very convenient for first aid when you need to immediately apply a long-term bandage. They provide a strong fixation of additional products on the affected area without causing any discomfort. Medium extensibility (100-150%) is used to treat varicose veins, a disease with trophic and post-phlebitis syndromes. Very effective for maintaining tissue after cast removal and compression sclerotherapy. High extensibility (150% or more) is used for less severe varicose veins and for the treatment of post-phlebitis diseases. Very convenient after surgery for swelling, for supporting joints after injuries and operations, for patients in bed rest.

Before you buy a bandage, you should familiarize yourself with 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 proven itself in the market (this way you will save on the long service life of the bandage); depending on the injury received, different lengths of elastic bandage will be required; if the doctor prescribed a “tight” bandage, then he should also clarify what kind of bandage needs to be purchased.

An elastic bandage is much more profitable and convenient than a regular 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 one.

The elastic bandage has very useful properties. It especially helps athletes, since they are often injured (sprains, bruises, dislocations, or just pain in the joints). When stretched, the bandage fixes the sore spot very well and does not allow unnecessary movements. Such a bandage also has the ability to warm, so before wrapping the affected area, you can rub in a warming ointment, the effect of which will be enhanced by 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, particularly athletes before training or competition, wrap their knee to prevent injury. Because during athletic activity the main “impact” falls on the knee joint. And to keep it safe, you can bandage and fix your knee in advance.

So, the instructions say that you need to apply the 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 sports store. Sellers can offer bandages with different fasteners; you should choose according to your own taste. You should sit so that your leg is in a relaxed position. The roll must be held in one hand, and its free end in the other. Next, place 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 your leg, covering the free end. Each new layer should slightly block the previous one. For greater convenience and an even bandage, you need to slightly tighten the bandage, but not too tight, so as not to disrupt blood circulation. When you are done with the lower part of the knee, you should move on to the upper one. Everything is done in the same way, but you need to ensure that the bandage is evenly covered. After completing all the wrapping manipulations, you need to secure the remaining end of the bandage. This can be done with special locks or simply tuck the end under some layer. After this, you need to bandage the other leg according to the same pattern. For convenience, you should check whether the bandage is tight and does not restrict movement. To do this, you can squat or bend your legs several times. If it is tied too tightly, it is better to straighten it a little, otherwise it will be uncomfortable later.

Once you have acquired the skills of how to properly bandage joints or injury sites, you can familiarize yourself 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 a leg injury occurs, it is better to apply the bandage in bed in the morning. The elastic bandage must be applied evenly, because microtrauma to the skin may occur. In order to avoid untimely stretching of the bandage, it is necessary to open it only outward and close to the skin. Each level of dressing should overlap the previous one by 20-50%. As you finish bandaging, you should loosen the tightness a little. The bandaging area should be slightly larger than the injury area (10-15 cm). You should throw away unusable bandages that have lost their rubber properties. Bandages can be applied after warming up the muscles (warm-up or special ointment). When training in the gym, you should only use bands when working with heavy weights. In other cases, it is unnecessary 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 can breathe.

Side effects

If the bandage is too frequent and tight, damage to the inner surface of the cup may occur.

If the bandage is tied very tightly, it 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 can lead to psychological dependence. This applies to athletes who do strength training in gyms with exercise equipment. Sometimes a person gets so used to working with bandages that after that he can no longer perform the exercise until he ties the bandage. Although the bandage is just a precaution, some may think that without it something will break or fail.

Is there an alternative?

For greater convenience and fixation, special knee pads were invented. They imply a lightweight “dressing”, that is, just put it on - and that’s it. Stores that specialize in selling this type of product 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 the following cases:

dislocation; paralysis; arthrosis; synovitis; infection.

Knee pads, however, have a slight advantage over a simple elastic bandage: they are distinguished by their ability to prevent muscle atrophy and guarantee freedom of the limbs. They improve blood circulation and thereby have a positive effect on the injured joint or, on the contrary, act as a preventive measure.

In any case, the choice is yours. Many athletes use knee pads because they are convenient and quick to use, and some still use an elastic bandage. Your preference should be given to a product 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.

The most active joint in the human body is the knee; it experiences large static and dynamic loads, and therefore is often subject to injuries and diseases. In these cases, elastic bandaging of the knee is a good help. It is used for bruises, dislocations, sprains, it is necessary in the treatment of inflammation in the joint, for fixing a sterile bandage on a wound.

Tight bandaging of the knee allows you to create peace for it, limit movement, as a result, pain and swelling of the tissues are reduced, and recovery time is reduced. It is widely used in strength sports to prevent damage to the ligaments and meniscus of the knee joint. The bandage is effective provided that it is correctly selected and applied correctly, which can be mastered by anyone without a medical education.

Shulepin Ivan Vladimirovich, traumatologist-orthopedist, highest qualification category

Total work experience over 25 years. In 1994 he graduated from the Moscow Institute of Medical and Social Rehabilitation, in 1997 he completed a residency in the specialty “Traumatology and Orthopedics” at the Central Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics named after. N.N. Prifova.

There are 3 types of elastic bandages depending on their degree of extensibility:

• low elasticity, when stretching is possible only 1.5 times (up to 50-60% of the length);
• medium elasticity, when it can be maximally stretched to 70-130% of its length;
• high elasticity, stretching 2-3 times its length (200-300%).

The degree of elasticity is indicated on its packaging, and its choice must be agreed with your doctor.

A weakly stretchable bandage will not provide reliable immobilization of the joint, so it is suitable for dressing the wound - fixing it with a sterile napkin. For the same purpose, you can use bandages of medium elasticity, including bandaging the knee after surgery, in case of inflammation. But high elasticity is perfect for injuries or for sports, when you need to tightly bandage a joint.

Pharmacies offer a large selection of elastic bandages, the price for domestic products varies from 50-170 rubles, for foreign ones - from 250 to 400 rubles. However, the main criterion when choosing is the size (length, width) and degree of elasticity, regardless of cost.

Overlay Types

Before bandaging the knee, you need to lay or sit the patient so that the leg is in a horizontal position, relaxed and slightly bent at the knee joint. Further, depending on the purpose, several methods of bandaging are used:

• circular;
• spiral;
• "turtle".

Circular bandage

The simplest type of bandaging, in which the end of the bandage is fixed above the knee with one hand, and with the other, stretching it, they make several rounds around the joint. The end cannot be tied; it is secured with adhesive tape, a pin or the fastener included in the kit. This bandage is not very strong and can roll off when moving, especially in a child due to high mobility.

Spiral bandage

The peculiarities of a spiral or creeping bandage are that each subsequent revolution moves up or down by 1/3-½ the width of the previous one. In the first case, an ascending bandage is applied: the end of the bandage is fixed with the hand under the joint, and turns are made with the other hand, moving them upward. When applying downwards, the bandage is held with the hand above the joint, and the tours are applied with the other hand, moving downwards. This type of bandage is more reliable than a circular one, however, the rounds can move up or down with movement.

"Turtle" bandage

This type of bandaging is the most reliable for the knee; it covers a large area and holds well without slipping. The essence of the bandage is the sequential crossing of rounds in the area of ​​the popliteal fossa with a transition from bottom to top, or from top to bottom. Depending on this, the overlay can be of 2 types:

Converging bandage apply starting from the periphery to the center. The first round of the bandage is fixed 20 cm below the knee, behind it they go obliquely upward and make a round 20 cm above the knee. Afterwards, they again make a cross behind the knee and move the bandage down, make a tour higher by 1/3-½ of the width of the bandage, make a cross and go up. Similarly, each tour is shifted down from above. The bandaging ends at the level of the middle of the joint. This bandage with rolling crosses prevents the bandage from moving up and down.

Divergent bandage is applied starting from the middle of the joint, with each subsequent round of the bandage moving up and down with a cross at the back. The last round is wrapped around the shin 20 cm below the joint and fixed.

Sprain bandage

Any sprain of the knee joint must be immobilized. To do this, you can bandage it in any of the following ways, depending on the severity of the injury. For mild cases, circular bandaging is sufficient; for severe injuries with severe swelling, it will be correct to bandage in a more reliable “turtle” way. In any case, the choice of the type of bandage is made by the traumatologist after examining the patient.

The question of how long you need to wear a bandage on your knee is decided individually.

For a mild injury, 1 week is enough, and for severe sprains and ligament ruptures, the bandage is worn for up to 1 month or longer.

Very important points that should not be forgotten:

• the bandage should not overtighten the limb, as evidenced by pain, swelling and numbness of the leg below the knee;
• The bandage must be removed at night to restore blood circulation;
• do not tie the bandage in a knot, but use a special fastener or pin;
• under the bandage there may be fogging and irritation of the skin; after removing it, be sure to wash the skin with soap and water or treat it with an antiseptic (alcohol, furatsilin solution, chlorhexidine);
• do not use an old stretched bandage, it does not fulfill its function;
• You should wash or change the bandage whenever it gets dirty, but at least 2 times a week.

Conclusion

The ability to correctly apply an elastic bandage to the knee joint area plays a big role in the treatment of injuries and diseases and in their prevention. The optimal choice of type of bandaging will be made by the doctor in a particular case.

Bandage with an elastic bandage on the knee. Turtle converging is one of the most reliable

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 elastic form. True, they didn’t stretch well. When latex thread was invented, such bandages began to stretch much better and became similar to today’s 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

This type of bandage is widely used for:

• bruise;
• dislocation;
• sprain
• inflammation in the knee joint and other diseases that require fixation of the knee joint.

The bandages are coated with a cotton compound that makes them breathable and can absorb moisture (an aqueous solution of salts and organic substances that are secreted by sweat glands). If you bandage your knee with an elastic bandage, it provides rest, prevents active movement, and thereby reduces pain and swelling in the tissues and promotes rapid recovery.

Widely used by athletes involved in strength training, helping those undergoing post-operative recovery or those who need to stabilize an injured knee.

The effectiveness of using an elastic bandage will be achieved if it is correctly selected and correctly applied. Anyone can learn this simple science if they have the desire.

Indications

Unfortunately, many people turn to an elastic bandage whenever a knee joint injury occurs, leaving the study of the instructions for later. This type of dressing is sold freely in all pharmacy warehouses and kiosks.

To improve nutrition, and as a consequence, the regeneration of 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 venous walls;
• normalizing blood flow;
• prevention of thrombosis;
• preventing the development of illness or injury.

Preventing injury is one of the reasons for using an elastic bandage

During the rehabilitation period after an injury, most physical therapy exercises are performed while fixing the joint. It is recommended to wear elastic bandages when walking, so that the loads are applied with a gradual increase in strength as the joint itself heals.

Contraindications

To use an elastic bandage, with all the positive aspects, there is Some contraindications to its use:

• narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels;
• diabetes mellitus type 3;
• inflammation or ulcers on the legs;
• with neurological pathology.

One way or another, before you start bandaging the knee joint, it is better to consult a doctor who will tell you what type of bandage is needed in each specific case.

Types of bandages and their purpose

Before using this type of bandage, it is better to study which type is indicated for which injury. Elastic bandages are produced with different stretches and the purpose of their use is directly related to the stretch strength. Kinds:

• low elasticity. Has about 69% stretch. Intended for the treatment of serious diseases, such as varicose veins in the last stage, accumulation of fluid in the intercellular space (for example, due to a bruise), severe chronic venous insufficiency and post-thrombotic disease;
• medium elasticity. Stretch 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 in case of constant disruption of blood outflow in the venous system;
• extreme elasticity. Elongation from 141% and above. Used during pregnancy to prevent varicose veins, for hematomas, after surgery, to relieve tension in ligaments and tendons.

In 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.

Application methods

Each bandage has its own requirements for application technique

There are several ways to bandage your knee with an elastic bandage. And after the specialist gives instructions on the use of an elastic bandage, telling you how to properly bandage the knee with an elastic bandage, it is necessary to ensure that the bandage on the knee does not put unnecessary pressure on the knee joint and maintains the desired therapeutic effect.

It is better to ask the pharmacist at the pharmacy to sell a bandage that comes with special fasteners (clasps) or Velcro around the edge. If both are missing, you will have to use a standard pin.

So, how to apply an elastic bandage to your knee: the leg should be stretched forward without tension, the knee joint should be slightly bent and completely relaxed.

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 put pressure 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 not applied correctly.

How do you know if the bandage is attached correctly? If the edge of the little finger fits under it freely, then everything is in order. Otherwise, it is better to bandage the bandage.

Universal method

The simplest method of applying a bandage is to bandage the knee with an elastic bandage obliquely 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 a pin. This type of tying is extremely fragile and rolls down during movement.

Popular option

If the elastic compression is wound correctly, there will be no feeling of restriction or restriction of movement and at the same time it will fit perfectly on the knee. The most famous method of applying a bandage is the turtle bandage. Apply in two ways:

• descending(applied in two layers at the top and bottom of the joint and each turn is replaced until the middle of the knee);
• divergent(winding occurs in the opposite direction from the center of the knee joint, one turn above and below).

Applying a bandage to the knee joint

Elementary 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 the turns do not overlap each other along the entire length.

Spiral

How to wrap a knee with an elastic bandage in a spiral? When using this fastening method, it is wrapped in a circular motion around the knee joint, with each subsequent turn moving up or down a third or half of the width. In this case, there may be kinks or a weak fit of the bandage.

If an elastic bandage is applied in an ascending knitting pattern, then its end is secured under the knee, and the coils are shifted upward. If the elastic bandage is laid in a downward manner, then the bandage is fixed above the joint and layers are applied with a downward shift.

This type of fixation is considered more reliable than circular application. But the layers, however, can shift when walking or running.

Fixing bandage

A proven and time-tested method can be called the cross-shaped method. This is how he secures the elastic band to the joint. Fixing the knee joint with an elastic bandage begins with twisting the bandage on the thigh and through the knee to the ankle.

These movements are copied by shifting the layers a certain distance towards the knee. The actions continue until the coils meet at the joint. Attach a bandage to the affected area.

Alternatives to bandaging

If you don’t want to wind bandages, you can use medical knee pads, which imitate it, in the form of simply putting it on the leg. These knee pads support the joint, relieving pain and reducing swelling. Such bandages also have orthopedic properties.

Medical knee brace

For dislocation, arthrosis, paralysis, fluid accumulation 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 quite freely, improve blood circulation, which has a positive effect on the damaged joint.

Conclusion

For any injury to the knee joint, you should seek medical help. So that a specialist can determine what type of elastic bandage is needed in each specific case and what type should be used. It is best to have two units in your 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 skin irritation.

Some use elastic bandages for injuries, while others use knee pads exclusively (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 person. An elastic bandage is an economical means for both prevention and treatment, and a bandage is a serious means with a powerful orthopedic effect. Any type of dressing should be used only for medical reasons and under the supervision of the attending physician.

Often people are faced with the need to bandage their limbs, so the technique of performing the procedure should be familiar not only to medical workers. An elastic bandage for the knee; its varieties and applications have their own characteristics, which are important to consider during use.

Indications for use of the bandage

The question often arises: who should use and what is an elastic bandage for? First of all, it all depends on the disease and the type of material. Elastic bandage has several varieties:

• low elasticity – has the ability to stretch more than half its length;
• medium – the nature of stretching varies up to 140%;
• high – has the greatest stretchability.

Why is each of these types needed? The first type is used in diagnosing severe forms of diseases, the main of which are considered to be varicose veins at the last stage of their development, chronic venous insufficiency and the consequences of thrombophlebitis. The second type is widely used during surgery associated with damage to the vessels of the lower extremities. They make it possible to reduce the risk of developing the disease. The latter type is used for the purpose of prevention at the time of pregnancy, as well as in the postoperative period when hematomas are detected. Often the bandage helps during sports. Fixing the knee with an elastic bandage can be carried out on the joints of the knee area and other parts in order to prevent sprains.

An elastic bandage is applied to the kneecap area due to damage to the ligaments and menisci and during the recovery period when performing therapeutic exercises. There are so-called compress materials that are widely used when prescribing a patient to bed as a result of injury or the use of general anesthesia.

In addition to numerous positive characteristics, the use of an elastic bandage has its prohibitions. In this case, contraindications relate to concomitant diseases and their consequences:

• lack of arterial lumen as a result of diagnosing atherosclerosis or endarteritis;
• elevated blood sugar levels and accompanying trophic ulcers of any severity;
• the occurrence of suppuration and infectious inflammation with a violation of the condition of the skin in the area where the bandage is applied.

When using an elastic bandage, it is important to consider the force of pressure on the damaged area of ​​the lower limb. The knee part should experience moderate pressure so that the natural movement of blood is not disrupted.

Knee bandaging technique

How to bandage your knee correctly so as not to harm your body? The bandaging procedure involves following several stages. The initial period is the preparatory period. It is characterized by selecting the most suitable bandage for the knee, taking into account the possibility of its stretching. The kit should include a special fastener so that you can secure the wound bandage and instructions. There are options for self-fixing bandages; in this case, the knee bandage has a special adhesive coating around the edges for ease of use. It is thanks to the adhesive base that we fix the bandage.

The next thing you should pay special attention to is the position of the lower limb. The position should be such that no obstacles are created for the ability to wrap, and in the future there is no stiffness in the process of motor activity. It is recommended to stretch the limb forward, while relaxing it as much as possible. The knee is allowed to bend slightly.

An equally important stage is the process of applying a fixing bandage to the knee joint, taking into account the technique. The most effective and popular is the tortoiseshell bandage. How to bandage correctly using this principle? The process of winding an elastic bandage on the knee in this case should have the form of a descending or ascending system. The first type involves applying an initial few turns slightly below the knee, and a subsequent few above the articulation. How to wind further? Subsequent whorls are superimposed by alternation, so that the final whorls are in the central part. It is in this position that the knee must be fixed. The second type is carried out starting from the central section of the knee, and the remaining turns, in which the wound material takes part, are higher or lower by alternating.

If the patient needs to apply an elastic bandage, it is important to adhere to the following recommendations:

• the distance from the damaged area should be at least several tens of centimeters;
• the overlap of previous revolutions should be more than half;
• It is important to maintain moderation in tension; it is recommended to increase compression in the central part of the joint.

Subsequently, there should not be any discomfort; if any, the bandage should be slightly loosened, the main thing is that it does not fall off during movements. Patients often ask how long can they wear the bandage? The duration should not exceed several days, and if necessary, a bandage at night can also be applied. You should not tie the edges if there is no lock; in this case, it is better to use a pin.

Maintain tension control to avoid excessive compression and disruption of blood flow.

The optimal test is to insert a finger between the bandage and the limb. If you managed to tie a tight bandage, then if tingling, numbness or a change in the appearance of the upper layer of the epidermis occurs after the bandage is applied for arthrosis, the bandage should be immediately loosened and it will need to be re-bandaged.

If this material is not available, what could replace the elastic bandage? In this case, elastic stockings or other fabric materials that have the ability to stretch are suitable for bandaging.

Using a bandage during the rehabilitation period

Medical experts strongly recommend bandaging the knee after injury or surgery. An elastic bandage on the knee will allow you to carry out all the necessary measures during the recovery period, for example, performing basic exercises aimed at normalizing the articulation of the knee.

The use of an elastic bandage is especially important in the postoperative period. The use of a bandage for the knee joint occurs when exercising on an exercise bike, walking or running. Despite the fact that the bandage is popular in the postoperative period, one should not forget about traditional measures, for example, electrophoresis with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, magnetic therapy, acupuncture and physiotherapy. The last event involves the mandatory use of an elastic bandage in accordance with the requirement, since it helps to correctly wind the material and correctly distribute the existing load, while at the same time restoring the functionality of the articular joint with an elastic bandage.

Thus, bandaging the knee plays an important role not only in diagnosing various diseases, but also in the postoperative period. In this case, it is important to comply with all the requirements and recommendations of the attending physician regarding the selection of knee bandages and their subsequent use to bandage the knee.