About this topic
Athletes may use sports taping to limit how much a joint can move. It can also support a joint during an activity or after an injury. Taping may help keep you from getting hurt or keep an existing injury from getting worse. Sports taping may also help you return to your sport more quickly. ‚
General
- You want the tape to stick well to the skin. You may need to shave the area so the tape can stick better.
- Clean the skin well before applying the tape. Check for rash or irritation. If you notice any, stop using the tape right away.
- You may want to use a prewrap to protect your skin and help the tap stick securely. A spray adhesive may also help it stick well.
- Always remove the tape right after your activity.
How to Tape Your Wrist ‚
- Gather your supplies. You will want an adhesive tape that does not stretch. 1 ‚ ½ inch (4 cm) works well. You may also want prewrap and adhesive spray.
- Apply prewrap. Start with 2 loops around the wrist. Then, go above the thumb and wrap 1 layer around the hand.
- Use the athletic tape and wrap one time around the lowest part of the prewrap on your wrist and another on your hand.
- Put on crosses with the tape based on where your problem is. Do 1 or 2 crosses based on how much support you need.
- If your wrist hurts when you bend it back, do crosses on your palm.
- Bend your wrist back a little ways. Place 1 strip of tape from the tape around your wrist below your thumb to the tape just under your little finger.
- Place another strip of tape starting at the tape on the outside of your wrist to the tape just under your first finger.
- If your wrist hurts when you bend it down, do crosses on the back of your hand.
- Bend your hand down just a little ways. Place 1 strip of tape from the tape on your wrist neat the base of your thumb to the tape near your little finger.
- Place another strip of tape starting on the back of your hand at the outside of your wrist to the tape just under your first finger.
- Tape your wrist in a figure 8. Start at the low wrap of tape on the palm side on the outside of your wrist. Bring the tape across your hand and between your thumb and first finger. Loop the tape around the back of your hand and towards the base of your thumb. Loop it around the back of your wrist and tape it off where you started.
- Cover any exposed areas by the base of the thumb with a strip or two of tape. Start the tape on the palm below the ring finger. Loop it around the base of the thumb and back to the middle of the hand.
What problems could happen?
If the wrap is too tight: ‚
- Areas of skin irritation
- Open areas
- Feeling of numbness
- Nail color changes
If the wrap is too loose: ‚
- Not enough support
- Worsening of injury
The muscles wound your wrist could become weaker if you continue to tape your wrist for a long time. Be sure to exercise these muscle when your injury heals. ‚
Helpful tips
You may want to use a spray adhesive on top of the prewrap to help hold it in place. You may also want to spray this on your skin before you start. ‚
Last Reviewed Date
2015-02-17 ‚
List_set bdysylist
- Neuromuscular and Skeletal
- Therapy (Occupational, Physical, Speech, etc)
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care provider 's advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2016 Wolters Kluwer Clinical Drug Information, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved. ‚