How to Wrap an Injured Hand

If you suffer an injury to your hand that interferes with your daily routine and causes pain, seek professional medical help. In the meantime, control the swelling and provide support to the area by wrapping the hand with a bandage. The bandage can reduce swelling by providing light compression. It is also helpful to apply an ice pack to the area, both for pain relief and to reduce swelling. If the hand begins to feel numb, cold (without an ice pack) or turns blue, remove the bandage immediately. This means that the bandage was applied too tightly.

Things You'll Need

• Bandages
• Sports tape
• Metal clips
• Gauze pads
• Tissues

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Instructions

• 1

  Remove all jewelry and similar items from the hand and wrist. Injuries are often accompanied by swelling, which will make it difficult for you to remove these items later.

• 2

  Hold the bandage roll in your uninjured hand and place the loose end of bandage on top of your hand. Have someone else hold the loose end on top of your hand.

• 3

  Wrap the bandage around your hand twice, positioning the bandage between your thumb and the rest of your fingers. Wrap the bandage tight enough so that it will not fall off, but loose enough so that it does not interfere with blood circulation.

• 4

  Cross the bandage to your wrist and wrap it around twice more. This will help the bandage stay in place and provide extra support. After wrapping, use sports tape or metal clips to fasten the end of the bandage.

• 5

  Wrap injured fingers separately. If you suspect you may have sprained a finger, tape it to the neighboring finger with sports tape. Place some soft material--such as gauze pads or even folded-up tissues--around the finger for padding. Tape the two fingers together. Do not force the injured finger to lie completely straight; allow for a relaxed position. Then, see a doctor for proper medical care.