An elbow sprain occurs when the ligaments, the strong bands of tissue connecting the bones around the joint, are stretched or partially torn. Wrapping the elbow with a compression bandage is a common first-aid measure designed to limit swelling and provide temporary support for a mild injury. This technique, often referred to as compression, is one component of the RICE protocol, which is the standard immediate care for soft tissue injuries. Applying a wrap correctly helps stabilize the joint and reduces the potential for fluid accumulation in the surrounding tissues. It is important to understand that compression is a temporary measure and not a substitute for professional medical evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Before attempting to wrap the injury, it is important to rule out more serious damage like a fracture or dislocation. Severe pain that is unrelieved by initial rest suggests a significant injury requiring immediate medical attention. A visible deformity, where the bones appear misaligned, is a clear sign of a dislocation or fracture. Numbness, tingling, or weakness extending into the forearm or hand may indicate nerve involvement and requires evaluation. If the pain limits the ability to move the elbow through even a small range of motion, professional assessment is necessary.
Necessary Supplies for Elbow Wrapping
The most suitable item for compression is an elastic bandage, commonly known as an ACE wrap. For an adult elbow, a bandage approximately three or four inches wide is recommended to provide adequate coverage. The bandage should be long enough to wrap the joint using the figure-eight technique, often requiring a length of at least four to five feet. Securing the end requires either the metal clips supplied or a strip of medical adhesive tape. To prevent skin irritation, a soft cloth or gauze pad can be placed over the prominent elbow bone before wrapping begins.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying the Wrap
To prepare for wrapping, the injured arm should be held in a position of slight flexion, as this is the natural resting position of the joint. Begin by anchoring the elastic bandage on the forearm, several inches below the elbow joint. Wrap the bandage around the forearm twice to secure the starting point, ensuring the tension is firm but not overly tight. The subsequent wraps should move diagonally across the elbow joint in a figure-eight pattern, which provides stability while allowing controlled movement.
The figure-eight technique involves crossing the bandage over the point of the elbow, wrapping alternately above the joint (on the upper arm) and below the joint (on the forearm). Each new layer should overlap the previous layer by approximately half its width, moving up the arm toward the bicep. Maintain consistent, moderate tension throughout the application; the goal is supportive compression, not restricted blood flow. Once the elbow area is covered, finish the wrap by making two straight, circular wraps around the upper arm, a few inches above the joint. Secure the end using the provided clips or a piece of tape to prevent unraveling.
Caring for the Sprain After Wrapping
Once the compression bandage is applied, follow the remainder of the RICE protocol—Rest, Ice, and Elevation—to aid recovery. Applying a cold pack to the wrapped area helps reduce pain and swelling; use the pack for 15 to 20 minutes on, followed by at least 40 minutes off, repeated several times daily for the first 48 hours. Elevating the injured elbow above the level of the heart uses gravity to assist in draining excess fluid away from the joint, minimizing swelling. Rest the injured arm, avoiding any activity that causes pain or stress to the joint, which prevents further ligament damage.
Monitor the wrapped limb closely for signs that the bandage is too tight. Indications of excessive tightness include numbness, tingling, increased pain, or a change in the color of the fingers. If any of these symptoms appear, the wrap must be loosened or removed immediately and reapplied with less tension. The compression wrap is typically worn for the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury. If swelling or pain persists beyond this period, a medical consultation is warranted.