Wrist taping is a common method used to provide mechanical support to the joint, helping limit movement. This technique uses rigid, non-stretch athletic tape to create an external structure that mimics the function of ligaments and tendons, offering temporary stabilization. It is a practical measure for reducing strain on the wrist joint during physical activity or for managing minor instability. This guide focuses on the application of a standard support tape job for general use.
Understanding When and Why to Tape
Taping a wrist is generally appropriate for preventing minor hyperextension or hyperflexion during sports, or for offering additional support to a joint with a history of mild sprains. The external support provided by the tape reduces the range of motion, which in turn decreases the physical stress placed on the underlying soft tissues. This can be beneficial when returning to activity after a minor injury.
However, taping is never a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis, particularly in cases involving severe pain, significant swelling, or an inability to move the wrist. If you suspect a fracture, dislocation, or a Grade II or III ligament tear, seek medical attention immediately. Taping should be avoided if it causes increased pain, numbness, tingling, or changes in the color of the fingers, as these symptoms can indicate nerve or circulation compromise.
Gathering Supplies and Skin Preparation
Successful wrist taping begins with having the correct materials and properly preparing the skin to ensure maximum tape adherence and to prevent irritation. You will need non-stretch athletic tape, typically 1.5 inches wide, and either a pre-wrap underlayment or adhesive spray. A pair of blunt-nosed tape scissors or a specialized shark cutter is necessary for safe removal later.
The skin must be clean and completely dry, free of any oils, lotions, or sweat that could weaken the tape’s adhesive bond. Shaving the area about 12 hours before application is recommended to prevent painful hair removal and subsequent skin irritation upon tape removal. Applying a hypoallergenic under-wrap or a light coating of adhesive spray directly to the skin creates a protective barrier and improves the longevity of the tape job.
The pre-wrap should be applied smoothly over the entire area the athletic tape will cover, overlapping each layer by about half its width to avoid gaps. While pre-wrap protects the skin, it can slightly reduce the overall rigidity of the tape job, so some athletes opt for adhesive spray alone. Once the skin is prepped and the underlayment is set, the process is ready to move on to the structural application of the rigid tape.
Step-by-Step Taping Technique
The standard technique aims to limit the wrist’s movement, especially hyperextension, by securing the joint in a slightly neutral or mildly extended position. The initial step involves establishing two anchor strips using the rigid athletic tape. The first anchor is placed around the forearm, a few inches above the wrist joint. The second anchor is placed around the palm just below the knuckles. These strips are applied with minimal tension, serving as the attachment points for the stabilizing strips.
Next, the functional stabilizing strips are applied, which are the core of the support structure. These are typically applied in an ‘X’ pattern across the wrist joint. Start two strips on the dorsal (back) side of the wrist, beginning on the forearm anchor and crossing over the joint to end on the palm anchor. Repeat this on the palmar (front) side of the wrist, starting from the palm anchor and crossing to the forearm anchor.
To enhance stability, figure-eight strips are applied. These strips encircle the wrist, pass through the thumb-index finger web space, and loop back around the hand. When passing through the web space, the tape should be slightly pinched or folded to prevent gathering and causing irritation or compression in that sensitive area. Two to three layers of these figure-eight strips are typically used, with each layer overlapping the previous one by approximately half the tape’s width to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The final step involves securing the entire structure by applying lock strips over the initial anchors, completely covering any exposed edges of the stabilizing tape. These final strips are applied around the forearm and the hand anchors, again with light tension to prevent circulation issues. The completed tape job should feel snug and supportive, effectively restricting excessive motion without causing any discomfort or tightness at rest.
Post-Taping Check and Removal
A safety check must be performed immediately after application to ensure circulation and nerve function have not been compromised. Pressing on a fingernail and observing the capillary refill—the speed at which the color returns—is a quick indicator of sufficient blood flow. The color of the fingers should remain normal, and there should be no complaints of numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation, all of which suggest the tape is too tight.
The tape job should be re-evaluated if there is any swelling distal to the application site or if the skin puckers noticeably at the edges of the tape. Generally, athletic tape should be removed within 48 hours to prevent skin irritation. To remove the tape safely, use blunt-nosed tape scissors or a specialized cutter, sliding the blunt side along the skin to cut the tape away from bony prominences.