How to Wrap a Knee
Knee injuries are very common ailments that affect athletes and people who are into high-impact sports and activities. Many people end up with a long list of knee injuries because of the stress many activities put on their knees. If you have a mildly injured knee but you feel the need to compete, here are some ways to wrap it to prevent injury and to keep the joint stable.
Things You Need
To wrap your knee, you need the following tools:
Gauze, bandage, or athletic tape (make sure that it is meant for wrapping a knee, or is designed for athletes)
Safety pin or bandage clamp
Knee pad
Knee brace
Steps
Sit down, and place your foot on a chair.
Check your knee joint for any signs of pain or discomfort. You should only wrap your knee if you are absolutely confident that you can go on with the athletic activity without the aid of medical attention.
Start by placing a length of the bandage two inches below the knee, starting from the shin.
Wrap the bandage around the shin and behind the joint, and move the gauze to two inches above the knee.
Keep wrapping the knee completely, covering every inch of the joint.
One layer of bandage is usually enough to keep the knee stable, although you may want to wrap your knee with another layer of bandage to keep it stable.
Secure the wrapping with a clamp or safety pin.
Wear a knee pad on the knee for safety. If your doctor prescribed it, attach your knee brace.
Safety Precautions
Here are some important safety reminders you need to follow when wrapping an injured knee:
Make sure the knee is not wrapped too tightly, because it may cause a break in circulation or keep the knee too rigid. You should still be able to insert two fingers in the bandage.
Do not use rags, cloth, or kerchiefs to wrap a knee.
Make sure that you can still comfortably move even with a wrapped knee.
Knee wrapping can sometimes do more harm than good. For serious injuries like torn ligaments or muscle tears, knees should only be wrapped and stabilized under the supervision and recommendation of a doctor.
Serious injuries can cut an athlete’s career short. With these steps, you can take the extra precautions to keep your knee stable during athletic activities and high-impact sports.