How to Strap an Injured Knee

Knee injuries are common occurrences for professional athletes and amateurs who engage in physical activities, such as running or playing sports. Chronic overuse of the knee may lead to minor symptoms, such as pain, inflammation, redness and swelling, or more serious conditions, such as torn ligaments and tendons. Taping the knee or wrapping it with an ACE bandage helps to stabilize the injury. These two different methods, also known as strapping the knee, promote healing and prevent further injuries.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 inch non-stretch tape
• 2 inch elastic tape
• ACE bandage
• Bandage clips
• Scissors

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Instructions

Taping

• 1

  Shave the leg where the tape will be applied to avoid pulling the hair. Sit on the floor with legs at a 90-degree angle. Place the non-stretch tape on the outside of the knee and cross it over the front, below the kneecap or patella to help stabilize it.

• 2

  Wrap the non-stretch tape behind the knee again and twist it for added support. Make sure the tape is wrapped firmly but not tight enough to cut off blood flow or cause numbness or tingling.

• 3

  Apply a final wrap without twisting around the entire knee. Cut and secure the non-stretch tape.

ACE Bandage

• 4

  Unroll 3 inches of the ACE bandage. Place the end of the roll on top of the knee, and wrap it once firmly around the knee. Continue to wrap the knee in a spiral motion, making a "figure 8" in front of and behind the knee.

• 5

  Wrap the bandage about 3 inches below the knee to 3 inches above the knee using the entire bandage. Clip the bandage in place to secure it.

• 6

  Stand and bend the knee to make sure it can freely move. If the bandage is too tight, unwrap it and start again.