How to properly apply an elastic bandage to your wrist

If the wrist joint is damaged, it is very important to fix it in the correct position. Wrist pain can be caused by injury or chronic illness. When playing some sports, it is also recommended to use a bandage to prevent sprains and reduce stress on the joints. Applying an elastic bandage to the wrist is widely used, for example, in boxing, tennis, and gymnastics.

Wrist pain can also occur during professional activities. Most often, hairdressers, pianists, and people who work a lot at the computer are susceptible to it. Provoking factors may include diabetes and excess body weight.

An elastic bandage on the wrist is used to fix the joint in the correct position. Bandages vary in their degree of elongation, and the lower it is, the less pressure at the site of application. To securely fixate the injured limb, you need to use a bandage with a low degree of elasticity, and as a bandage for active sports, use a more elastic one.

What is it, benefits

Using an elastic bandage on the wrist can solve the following problems:

• fix movable joints, preventing sprains;
• distribute the load on muscles and ligaments;
• remove excess moisture from the body, which is especially important during active training.

It is recommended to fix the wrist joint with an elastic bandage in the following cases (if there is a corresponding doctor’s recommendation):

• arthritis, arthrosis, osteoarthritis;
• diseases associated with inflammation of muscles and tendons;
• paralysis;
• paresis;
• bone fractures;
• muscle strain in the wrist area.

Briefly about the treatment method

Compression therapy in the treatment of lymphedema, using soft, low-stretch bandages and compression garments, is an integral part of disease management. The goal of compression therapy is to maintain and improve the reduction in edema achieved during treatment. Banding is the mainstay of treatment for stage 2 and 3 (moderate to severe) lymphedema and is an integral part of decongestant therapy. The advantages of the method are:

• Supports the results of lymphatic drainage massage, keeping 50% of daytime swelling.
• The bandage can be worn securely both day and night, due to the low resting pressure when the muscles are inactive and relaxed.
• The bandage is effective during training because it provides additional resistance.
• Dressing with special pads placed inside the dressing helps soften fibrous tissue.

When the active phase of therapy is over, you can move on to wearing elastic compression garments. However, it cannot be worn at night when the muscles are relaxed, so the band will need to be continued overnight. Compression sleeves and clothing are designed to help the lymph move in the right direction, maintaining the results of treatment. Compression hosiery frees the patient from constantly wearing bandages, which, thanks to the multi-layered and integrated components of the add-ons, become quite cumbersome. Single-layer support compression garments are a comfortable and effective addition to the daily life of a person with lymphedema. Another important benefit of compression garments is the medically integrated “compression gradient”. The gradient is of paramount importance for effective disease management because lymphatic fluid must be able to flow efficiently to the trunk, allowing for reduced drainage and limb reduction. To maintain normal blood and lymph circulation, the pressure should be moderately strong in the distal parts of the extremities (hand/foot) and less in the proximal areas (shoulder/thigh). While bandages create high operating pressures, compression garments create low operating pressures due to the elastic materials used in their construction. Clothing creates a very high resting pressure, while bandages create a low resting pressure, for these reasons it is not recommended for overnight use. Without the beneficial support provided by both forms of compression (clothing and bandages), treatment of lymphedema would be impossible, but together these forms of therapy achieve the desired effect (reduction of limb swelling).

Benefits of Elastic Compression

Bandage/clothing reduces the rate of ultrafiltration Lymph is a clear, protein-rich fluid in tissue spaces throughout the body. This fluid (1-2 liters per day) is usually carried by the lymphatic vessels, passes through the regional lymph nodes and joins the venous blood shortly before this blood enters the heart. Lymph circulation is important for maintaining normal tissue homeostasis throughout the body. The balance between fluid leaving the arterial side of the capillaries (ultrafiltration) on the one hand and the reabsorption that occurs in the venous capillaries as well as drainage through the lymphatic vessels on the other is known as Starling's equilibrium. Due to impaired lymphatic drainage in lymphedema, this balance is disrupted, protein-rich fluid accumulates in the tissues, colloid osmotic pressure increases, and all these events favor ultrafiltration. By raising tissue pressure using an external force (bandage or compression garment), the effective ultrafiltration pressure is reduced and less fluid accumulates, thereby improving the patient's condition. The bandage/garment improves the efficiency of muscle activity. Lymph moves through the various lymphatic vessels through muscle activity, contraction of the lymphatic vessels themselves, movements of the diaphragm (breathing) and negative pressure within the chest during the breathing cycle. In the limbs, skeletal muscle activity is an important factor in lymph transport. To maintain this process, normal tissue (skin and muscle) and joints are needed. The use of elastic compression increases the efficiency of muscle activity. The bandage/garment prevents the re-accumulation of lymphatic fluid. Manual lymphatic drainage is used to empty and decompress closed lymphatic vessels in the swollen part of the body. Since compression bandages compensate for the reduced tissue pressure of the skin, they prevent the re-accumulation of stagnant lymphatic fluid and thereby maintain the treatment result.

The need to limit the load on the wrist

Applying an elastic bandage to the wrist is performed for preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Prevention:

• preventing damage to muscles, tendons, joints;
• reducing the risk of inflammation and irreversible changes in bone and muscle tissue;
• reducing discomfort when performing monotonous, monotonous work.

When treating chronic or acute diseases, such as arthritis and arthrosis, applying an elastic bandage to the wrist allows you to:

• reduce the range of motion of the joint, which helps reduce swelling and pain;
• prevent the development of pathological processes;
• speed up the recovery of the injured limb.

In addition, the bandage has a massage effect on the tissue, which improves blood circulation in the damaged area and promotes a speedy recovery;

Banding technology

All dressings begin with the application of lotion to moisturize the skin and keep it healthy. Keeping your skin well hydrated prevents small cracks from forming and prevents bacteria from entering and causing infection. The lotion can prevent skin irritation from unusual use of layered bandages.

The tubular stocking provides additional protection to the skin and provides a comfortable, breathable base for the wrap.

A felted cotton fabric or thin foam is then used to add a layer that evenly distributes the compression of the outer wraps. It can also hold special foam Swell Spots in place to protect areas of skin over bones.

Finally, short stretch wraps are used, with narrower bands on the arm and wider strips rotating across the arm. The number of bands needed for the wrap will depend on the size and length of the arm and the level of compression desired. These wraps are used with careful graduated compression, with more pressure at the hand end (distal) decreasing as it moves up toward the body (proximal).

How to apply

You can find out how to apply an elastic bandage to your wrist in each specific case by consulting with your doctor. Independent unskilled bandaging may not improve, but only worsen the situation and lead to more serious consequences. It is imperative to go to a medical facility if it is necessary to apply a bandage for medical reasons.

The general rules for applying an elastic bandage to the wrist are as follows:

• wrap the bandage around your wrist, starting from the inside;
• stretch the bandage diagonally across the outside of the palm, between the thumb and forefinger and back through the inside of the palm;
• wrap the bandage around the wrist and pull it in the opposite direction (along the inside of the palm, between the thumb and index finger) and through the outside of the palm back to the wrist;
• wrap your wrist and make several turns, partially overlapping the previous layer by at least half the width;
• secure the bandage.

It is also important to follow the following rules:

• the tension of the bandage should not be very strong, otherwise there is a high probability of disrupting blood flow in the affected area;
• The bandage should not be applied to swelling. To relieve swelling, you need to raise your hand up and hold it in this position;
• Bandage should be done from narrow to wide;
• There should be no folds or gathers, the bandage should not be twisted;
• Even tension should be maintained, otherwise the bandage will not hold well.

Observation program after treatment method

Compression jersey

It is better to wash knitwear by hand (especially clothes with silicone tape), although there are products that can be washed in a machine. When washing clothes in the machine, it is recommended to place them in a wash bag to protect the fabric. Daily washing is recommended, especially if lotions or creams are used (moisturizing lotion can damage the fibers in compression garments and should only be used at night when clothing is removed). It is better to have more than one item of clothing, they should be worn alternately so that elasticity can be restored and their effectiveness can be increased. Harsh cleaning agents, solvents, and cleaners must not be used. Use mild soaps or detergents that do not contain chlorine, fabric softeners, or other laundry additives. Clothes should not be wrung out by twisting the fabric. Place it in a towel and gently wring it out. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight when drying. It's a good idea to hang your towel on a drying rack and hang your clothes on top, as the weight of the water can stretch the fabric. Compression hosiery should be replaced approximately every six months or when the garment shows signs of wear that could adversely affect its compressive properties. Generally, if a knit no longer returns to its original shape after washing or has holes in the material, it will need to be replaced.

Basic dressing methods

There are many ways to apply an elastic bandage to the wrist. They vary depending on the problems that need to be solved;

• to bandage the wrists when doing boxing and weightlifting, a bandage with a length of at least 4.5 m is required. In this case, applying an elastic bandage to the wrist begins with a loop on the thumb, gradually covering the entire palm with the bandage, and the bandage is passed between all fingers;
• for cuts, the method of bandaging the palm from the wrist to the knuckles is used;
• for bruises, ruptures and sprains, an elastic bandage on the wrist covers the area from the elbow to the area below the knuckles.

The HARTMANN catalog contains a wide range of elastic compression bandages Idealast and Lastodur. Products are available in different lengths, widths and degrees of stretch. Self-fixing bandages are securely held without additional fastening. The high cotton content guarantees a comfortable feeling. Microdot impregnation with hypoallergenic glue allows the product to be used by people prone to allergies. The bandages can be washed at temperatures up to +60 ℃, which is very important both when using them as a sports bandage and for medicinal purposes.

To buy a bandage or other Paul Hartmann products, place an order on our online store website. Qualified managers will help you navigate the catalog and choose a product that meets your needs. You can ask all your questions to the online assistant.

IMPORTANT: both prevention and treatment can only be prescribed to you by a doctor! Before purchasing bandages, be sure to consult a doctor.

Indications and contraindications for the treatment method

If you have mild lymphedema (stage 0 or 1), you can only use compression garments. For stage 2 and 3 lymphedema, it is recommended to first develop a treatment program called total decongestant therapy to reduce swelling. Undergo bandage treatment and then use compression stockings. Banding is contraindicated if:

• The patient has stage 0 and stage 1 lymphedema: it requires other forms of compression.
• The area to be bandaged is infected.
• There is an open wound.
• The patient has severe arterial obstruction.

Graduated compression should not be used in the presence of the following pathologies:

• Arterial Pathology: Compression of small arteries will further reduce blood flow, create pain and reduce blood supply.
• Diabetes with neuropathy.
• Wet dermatosis (reddened skin, abrasive surface, secretion of serous fluid).
• Skin ulcer (not caused by venous insufficiency).
• Eczema.
• Arterial circulation disorders.
• Painful Raynaud's pathology with damage to the arterial wall.

Congestive heart failure or the presence of blood clots are conditions where you need to discuss special precautions regarding ligation (or any other form of compression) with your doctor.

Instructions for first aid

At work, in the office, or at home, injuries and unforeseen situations can occur even with the most careful and disciplined employees. Help must be provided promptly. Any delay can cost the victim his health and sometimes his life. Such situations need to be met fully prepared, as they say, hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. Today we will tell you what dressings should always be in your first aid kit.

The minimum set of equipment includes: bandages, dressing bags, cotton wool, sterile dressings and napkins, hemostatic agents, anti-burn agents, tourniquets.

Caring for an elastic bandage

Although the product is considered durable, it requires compliance with certain care rules. Bandages should be washed by hand with the addition of liquid soap, shampoo or washing gel. It is not recommended to use the powder; it softens the fabric too much, which then quickly becomes unusable. If necessary, you can use bleach, but keep in mind that chlorine also has a negative effect on cotton.

The bandages should be dried completely unrolled on a horizontal surface, or hanging on a clothesline. After complete drying, the product must be rolled into a tube and hidden in a cover or clean plastic bag. But you should make sure that the bandage is completely dry, otherwise there is a chance that mold will appear in the natural fabrics.