Elastic bandage for the knee joint. How to properly bandage and fix the knee and ankle joint with an elastic bandage? Bandage for varicose veins or compression

Injury to the knee is a common problem, and the first aid in such a situation is an elastic knee bandage. This way to help the joint is very simple and affordable. But at the same time it is really effective. That is why an elastic bandage is very often used if it is necessary to provide first aid or immobilize the knee for a while.

In what cases should this remedy be used?

Dressing material is used in different situations. Usually this material is a prophylactic in case of injury or violation of the knees. However, there are other cases where elastic bandages are used. Of course, the decision on the need for a bandage is made by the doctor. This remedy is prescribed in the following cases:

orthopedic diseases;
swelling;
sports injuries;
thrombophlebitis;
bruises and dislocations.

The doctor recommends applying bandages not only for injuries, but also for various diseases (arthrosis, arthritis, synovitis). They can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory. Bandages help to get rid of pain or reduce it, reduce the load on the knees.

Types of elastic bandages

All bandages are different in length and width, as well as in the degree of stretching. They are divided into several groups according to the degree of extensibility and in accordance with the purposes for which they can be used. There are three types of bandages:

with low extensibility - thirty to one hundred percent;
with medium extensibility - one hundred to one hundred and fifty percent;
with high extensibility - from more than one hundred and fifty percent.

Bandages with 30-100% stretch are used for various vein problems. In addition, such knee bandages are used if you need to urgently provide assistance, immediately and firmly fix the joint. This bandage helps to reduce discomfort and pain for a while. However, in the future, other methods of treatment should be applied.

Knee bandages with 100-150% stretch are also used to treat vein diseases. In addition, elastic knee bandages are useful for maintaining the joint and tissues after the cast has been removed. They are also used for compression sclerotherapy. You can use bandages with medium extensibility and with a knee injury (if you need to immediately help and alleviate the condition). Such knee bandages help with arthrosis, as they reduce the load on the knee.

As for bandages with the highest extensibility, they are used for severe varicose veins. As far as knee problems are concerned, these high stretch bandages are comfortable for post-surgery patients with swelling.

Nuance! It is best to have a remedy with one hundred percent extensibility in the medicine cabinet. This is a universal size.

How to choose the right knee bandages?

Of course, before buying a bandage, it is advisable to consult a specialist. He will select the appropriate remedy for the patient with a specific problem. In general, elastic bandages need to be selected based on stretchability, a specific problem.

Of course, an elastic bandage is more convenient than a simple one. After all, it can be used several times, and a simple bandage is unsuitable after the first application. In addition, elastic bandages can keep you warm, which is necessary for some diseases. Although an elastic bandage is more expensive than a regular bandage, it is more effective.

Bandages can be different sizes. The length varies, and the width usually varies from 7.5 to 10 cm. It is necessary to choose the size that best suits the specific violation. Its length is also important, since the more layers are made, the more pressure the bandage exerts. But more than two layers are usually not done, as the pressure on the joint will be too strong.

In addition, the fastening is also important. In general, the most convenient means with a latch. There are bandages and Velcro, but such a fastener wears out quickly. And an elastic bandage without certain fasteners can be easily untied, but if you fix it correctly, such a bandage will do. There are also tools with special overlays.

It is also necessary to pay attention to the composition (the amount of nylon is important). Usually cotton is used as the base. However, there are bandages made from synthetic materials. You should not buy such a tool, as synthetics can cause allergies. But it is non-natural materials, as they are more durable.

How to bandage a knee?

How is the procedure itself? How to bandage a knee? There is an instruction that will help to bandage the damaged area:

The leg should not be tense.
The roll should be held in one hand and the free edge in the other.
The loose end must be attached behind the knee, below the cup.
Bandage the leg along the crease under the joint, slightly covering the free end.
All layers slightly cover the previous ones.
Each time you need to slightly stretch the layer, but not very much.
Then fix the end of the bandage, do this by tucking it under any layer.

The procedure must first be carried out with bottom, and then wind it up in the same way upper part knee. It is important that the bandage does not interfere and does not press. To do this, bend the leg several times. Correctly bandaging the knee with an elastic bandage is not very difficult. Of course, it will not be possible to do this quickly right away, but after some training it will be much easier to apply an elastic bandage.

Here are some tips on bandaging techniques:

The bandage must be wound correctly and evenly, as microtrauma can occur.
It is necessary to open the bandage outward so that it does not stretch prematurely.
Each level of dressing should overlap the next by no more than 50%.
It is necessary to bandage a slightly larger area than the injury itself - by 10 cm.
At the end of bandaging, it is necessary to slightly loosen the tightness.

It is necessary to wrap the joint carefully and tightly so that it is well fixed. This is the importance of the leg bandage procedure itself. Good fixation provides the bandaged knee with the necessary immobility for a certain time, and it also reduces the load on the knees. That is why you need to know how to properly wind the bandage.

Interesting! If such a bandage is used by athletes, then it should be used only when working with heavy weights. In other cases (for example, for squats), knee wrapping is of no benefit.

In general, there are several types of elastic bandages. But in any case, in case of injury or illness, only a specialist can choose the necessary type of dressing. Types of bandages:

spiral;
spike-shaped;
creeping;
cruciform;
circular;
"turtle".

The most important rule to follow when bandaging a knee is that the position of the joint should remain natural. Of course, it is better if the joint is bandaged by a specialist, but you can do it yourself. But it is worth remembering that you need to buy a suitable bandage, and before applying it to the joint, you need to study the instructions and read how to apply the bandage correctly.

Bandage Contraindications

Is it always possible to make dressings? No, there are cases where bandaging is prohibited. The final decision on the possibility or impossibility of such a procedure is made by the doctor. But in the following cases, it is definitely impossible to bandage:

diabetes;
obliteration of arteries, atherosclerosis;
infection at the site of application;
inflammation in the bandage area.

How to apply a compress,.

In addition, the use may cause some side effects. For example, in summer it is very hot in such bandages. Therefore, skin problems may occur. An allergy to the substances that make up the bandage is possible. And the bandage exerts excessive pressure not only on the joint, but also on the surrounding tissues, which can also lead to negative consequences.

Such bandages are quite effective remedy relieve knee pain and reduce stress. However, this method of treatment should not be carried away, and even more so, it is impossible to use an elastic bandage as the main treatment. An integrated approach to the treatment of a disease or injury will lead to a quick cure and reduce the risk of complications.

Since ancient times, people have been accustomed to bandaging everything for faster healing of wounds. Elastic bandage on the knee - one of these means. 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 load 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 strength exercises it is better to unbind the 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, it can also be damaged muscle. 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 strength training V gyms with trainers. 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.

The elastic bandage has a 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. Gives a strong hold 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.

An elastic knee bandage is used as an element of complex measures for various joint injuries. These include sprains, bruises, dislocations, as well as the prevention of injuries in case of serious physical activity. Next, we will take a closer look at why a bandage is needed and how to properly apply an elastic bandage to the knee joint.

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Why is a bandage needed?

A bandage is used as a dressing for an injury. knee joint. The benefit is achieved by compressive pressure in one plane, in which case the joint can move in a certain range. Apply a bandage for traumatic lesions, for running, exercising in gym, after knee surgery, with arthrosis.

In all the above cases elastic bandage saves from excessive mobility of bones and soft tissues in the joint. This prevents the damage from getting worse, allows the tissues to heal, and still allows the person to perform daily household or sports activities.

When playing sports, it is recommended to apply a bandage on the knee, since it is it that is subjected to the greatest load under the weight of the body and weighting agents. It is especially important in the presence of articular ailments, old injuries, injuries, weakness of the ligamentous apparatus. With a bandage, you can prevent injury or overload of the joint.

Learning to bandage

There are many various techniques, based on different degrees of fastening of the tape and methods of wrapping the leg. Different bandages can also be used. They are distinguished by length, width and level of stretching:

A low degree of stretching - about thirty percent, is used for problems with the veins of the leg and during first aid for traumatic lesions. Comfortably and securely fix the leg in the area of injury.
The average degree of stretching is about one hundred percent, the main area of \u200b\u200buse is varicose veins veins, trophic ulcers, rehabilitation after bone fractures. In the latter case, they are applied after removing the plaster cast, or after surgery.
A high degree of stretching - more than one hundred and fifty percent. Recommended after surgical interventions, serious injury to the legs, treatment of bedridden patients, lymphatic edema of the limb.

turtle type

The tortoise knee bandage is the most common bandage method. How to bandage a leg? On the left side and in the center of the articulation, a bandage is wound towards the center (called a descending bandage).

The first turn is done above the knee around the leg, then the bandage is carried out in the opposite direction. We do five turns higher patella and the same below. The crossing takes place under the knee. The last revolutions are fixed at the articulation itself. It is best to fix with special fixing devices.

The second way of winding starts in the opposite direction, that is, on the right side we bandage the skeins up and down in the direction from the center. We make the first turn around the cup and then above it, then below. The crossing is also behind the articulation and ends above the joint. This is called divergent tortoiseshell.

This type is the most reliable and persistent. It is convenient to use during running and sports, to fix medicines on the joint.

Spike type

This type of winding of the bandage can be in an upward direction, or it can be in a downward direction. In the first case, the tape is wound from the bottom towards the top. In the second case, the opposite is true. The following technology is observed - each winding should overlap a third of the previous one. This is the spike bandage.

Locking type

The fixation bandage is used for injuries and sports even with a healthy knee. In order for the elastic bandage to hold firmly on the knee, you need to bend the joint in the most comfortable position. Then wind the tape in such a way as to minimize the formation of wrinkles.

The bandage is laid out from the top of the joint and must be fixed with a double twist. Next, the tape goes under the bottom of the joint and is fixed in a similar way. The crossing takes place under the kneecap. So we repeat a couple of times.

circular type

With your left hand, grasp the edge of the tape, with the second hand we wrap the knee in one area a couple of times in a circle. Next, fasten the remaining edge of the bandage.

creeping type

The dressing is applied in two layers. At the first, we use the spiral method, while not overlapping the previous winding, but rather moving slightly away from it. And the second layer is bandaged when winding in the opposite direction. Here you can already use the spiral technique.

Bandage for sprains

When stretching, there is a specificity in applying a bandage. First, apply something cold to the injury site. It could be ice, a bottle of cold water, frozen meat. So lie down for half an hour. In no case do not warm the area of damage, as you can aggravate the swelling and the severity of the pain syndrome.

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

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

Special bandages for injured knees favor the quick recovery of the joint. They play the role of bondage and stabilize the zone in correct position.

Types and their purpose

There are different categories that have their own characteristics and quality characteristics. In practice, conventional medical or elastic knee bandages are used. The latter are the most effective because they bring more benefits. Their structure provides the possibility of secondary use.

They are cost-effective and comfortable to use. Certain products of this group provide the ability to warm the affected area.

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

low elasticity;
medium elasticity;
high elasticity.

The first category is characterized by a low degree of extensibility. This tool can only stretch 69% more than its length. They usually serve to treat severe diseases like end-stage varicose veins or venous insufficiency.

Medium elasticity allows you to fasten the vessels on the limbs after operations. Such a product is able to stretch 70-140% more than its full length. They serve to prevent the progression of the disease.

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

Overlay methods

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

Generic Method

The classic version of bandaging is to apply oblique or rotary ties. First, the bandage is placed below the knee for a couple of tens of centimeters. After fixing, it is wound tangentially under the patella to the thigh. The length of the entire bandage should not be less than 30-40 cm.

Popular option

The tortoise bandage has become widespread among the methods of applying a bandage to the knee joint. According to this method, wrapping can be done in a descending or diverging way. The first option involves applying two layers above and below the joint. Subsequently, each skein alternates to the middle of the knee. With the diverging method of bandaging, everything happens the other way around. They begin to wind from the center of the joint to a tour higher or lower.

Elemental Bandage

The circular method of fixing the knee is considered the simplest type of wrapping. One hand holds the end of the bandage, the other rotational movements bandage is made. It is necessary to monitor the imposition of revolutions on each other.

In a spiral

Knee wraps secured with a spiral method are difficult to use. Proper winding of the injured knee begins with circular unwinding. Subsequently, they move on to oblique tours that overlap each other by half. Allow the presence of kinks and a loose fit of the turns of the bandage.

fixing bandage

The cruciform winding method has a fixing function. The bandage is wound in several layers on the hips, then led through the knee joint to the calves. Repeat the steps in reverse order, while gradually shifting the layers a few centimeters to the knee. The procedure lasts until the tours converge on the knee joint. The fixing stage includes a circular wrapping of the affected leg area.

Basic Rules

It is necessary to monitor the tightness of the bandage. A strong styling will lead to tugging of the veins and painful sensations, a weak one will ensure slipping, knocking down the bandage.

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

Knee bandages should tightly wrap the damaged area at the same time without causing discomfort. This tool should provide not only the fixation of the joint, but also freedom of movement.

Elastic bandages during training should be taken if the exercises involve lifting heavy weight. In other cases, between sets or during a warm-up, it is desirable to release the body from the bandage due to uselessness.

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

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

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

Conclusion

Human life is not complete without injuries and sprains. They can be obtained almost everywhere, from sports activities to a regular walk. This is especially true for the knees, which are part of the human musculoskeletal system.

Properly wound bandages for injured or weak knees are considered a wonderful way to protect and strengthen the joint. However, there are cases when the bandage is not recommended for use: for skin inflammations and infections. Therefore, before using this remedy in serious cases, you should consult your doctor. It is he who will help you choose the right type of bandage and ensure the correct bandaging.

An elastic bandage when stretching the knee reduces the load on the joint and fixes it in the correct position. This protects the tissue from further damage. A properly applied bandage creates pressure that normalizes the outflow of lymph and venous blood, preventing the spread of swelling. Blood vessels provide the affected area with nutrients and oxygen, which speeds up the healing process of the ligaments.

Before you buy a bandage, you need to consult with a traumatologist. Attention should be paid to the extensibility of the product, which is selected depending on the severity of the damage. It is best to choose bandages from reputable manufacturers that have a long service life. Different lengths may be required depending on the type of injury. If wearing a tight bandage was prescribed by a doctor, he will help the patient with the choice.

An elastic bandage is more convenient to use than a regular gauze bandage. The rubberized product is suitable for repeated use, while the fabric product is deformed after the first use. An elastic bandage is especially useful for athletes who often get injured. It fixes the affected joint, preventing unnecessary movements.

The bandage has a warming effect, so an ointment can be applied to the skin before applying it. The bandage increases its effectiveness.

Bandage indications

A bandage on the knee is most often applied:

in case of rupture and sprain of ligaments;
after surgical interventions after such injuries.

Athletes use an elastic bandage to prevent such injuries. During training, the greatest load falls on lower limbs Therefore, for protection, it is recommended to bandage the knee with an elastic bandage.

How to properly bandage a knee with a sprain?

Instructions for use

When applying a bandage, the following rules should be observed:

The patient should take a sitting position and relax the affected leg. The free end of the bandage is held in one hand, the roll itself is held in the other.
It is necessary to start bandaging from the area below the kneecap. The edge of the bandage runs parallel to the popliteal crease.
Next, the leg is gradually wrapped, blocking the free end. Each new layer overlaps with the previous one. To ensure the required pressure, the bandage is pulled.
Bandages that are too tight can block blood flow.
After completing the dressing lower part joints go to the top. Bandaging is carried out in the same way, it is necessary to monitor the uniformity of the coating.
After the dressing is completed, the remaining end of the product is fixed with special fasteners. If necessary, the other leg is bandaged in the same way.
You can check the correct application of the bandage by bending and unbending the leg. Too tight, it is recommended to loosen.

In case of leg injuries, it is recommended to apply a bandage while lying in bed. The bandage should lie evenly, otherwise the skin may be injured. The roll is unwound outward, near the leg. Each new layer overlaps the previous one by 20–40%. Bandaging should cover an area larger than the injured area.

Do not use products that have lost elasticity.

When applying a bandage for prophylactic purposes, the leg is periodically unbandaged. Too tight bandages contribute to excessive friction of the articular surfaces. For the same reasons, muscle injuries occur.

How long is the bandage worn?

The period of wearing an elastic bandage for sprains of the knee joint is determined by the severity of the injury:

In case of mild injuries, accompanied by mild pain and swelling, the joint is fixed for a week.
At severe injuries with extensive swelling, the bandage will have to be worn for at least 2 months.

The bandage should be applied only in the daytime, before going to bed it is removed. This prevents the stagnation of blood and lymph.

Additional activities

Wearing a bandage for ligament damage can be combined with exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill, as well as with exercise therapy exercises. Additionally, physiotherapy procedures are prescribed:

electrophoresis with NSAIDs;
magnetotherapy;
electrical stimulation;
acupuncture.

Such treatment contributes to the restoration of blood supply to tissues, and the use of an elastic bandage during exercise helps to properly distribute the load.