How to Wrap a Sprained Knee

A sprained knee is a common injury in most sports and athletic activities. When a knee is sprained, it is extremely important to get it wrapped as soon as possible to reduce swelling. Depending on the way the knee was injured and severity, a trip to the emergency room might be necessary. For knee sprains that are less severe, there is a simple way to wrap your knee.

Things You'll Need

• Bandage
• A source of elevation for the leg
• Metal clasps/safety pin

Instructions

1. Sit and elevate the injured leg onto a table or raised platform approximately 1 foot above your other leg. Holding one end of the bandage against your upper shin, wrap the bandage diagonally up and across your knee toward your lower thigh, then back around the back of your knee for stability. The wrap should be fairly tight, but if you see indentations in your skin, you're wrapping too tightly and possibly cutting off circulation.

2. Wrap the bandage diagonally down across your knee and continue to wrap around the back of your leg below your knee. You should have formed the shape of the letter "X" around your knee with the bandage.

3. Repeat the first two steps over the exposed areas of skin so that the bandage covers all areas of the knee. Continue until you have used all of the available bandage.

4. Clasp the end of the band on the knee with the provided metal clamps or a safety pin.

References

• Aurora Health Care