How to Tape Sprained Elbows

When you sprain your elbow, you have actually torn or stretched a ligament. Ligaments are bands of tissue that connect bones to each other at the joint. If you have sprained your elbow, you will most likely have swelling and bruising in that area. You will probably not be able to move your forearm much without extreme pain. The arm must be stabilized in order to begin the healing process. Stabilization is obtained by taping the sprained elbow and placing the arm in a sling.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze
• Cardboard
• Medical tape
• Sling

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Instructions

• 1

  Position the limb so there is an almost 90 degree angle in the bend of the arm.

• 2

  Wrap the arm with two pieces of gauze. The first piece of gauze should be wrapped around the arm between the elbow and the bicep. The second piece should be wrapped around the arm between the middle of the forearm and the elbow. Do not wrap too tight or it will cut off blood circulation.

• 3

  Place a piece of cardboard that is 2 inches wide by 10 inches long on a table in front of you. Bend the cardboard in two places to create a bridge from the bicep to the forearm. The position of the bends is dependent upon the length of your arm. Bends that are 3 inches from each end will usually work. Adjust as needed.

• 4

  Affix the piece of cardboard to the arm by taping it to the 2 gauze anchors you created. Wrap medical tape around the cardboard and the gauze only. Applying the tape to your skin can cause discomfort. The visible section of cardboard should look like a little bridge connecting the forearm and the lower bicep, thus replacing the injured tendon while it heals.

• 5

  Slide the arm into a sling and secure the sling around your neck. Your arm should still be bent at an almost 90 degree angle. The sling will provide the rest your arm needs, while the tape will hold the elbow in place.