A wrist sprain is an injury involving the stretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones in the wrist joint. These fibrous tissues maintain the stability and proper alignment of the carpal bones. Athletic taping provides external mechanical support to stabilize the joint and limit extreme ranges of motion. This stabilization prevents the wrist from moving into painful positions, protecting the injured ligaments from further strain.
Required Supplies and Safety Precautions
Gather the necessary materials before beginning the application process. You will need a roll of 1.5-inch non-elastic athletic tape, the standard width for wrist support. Use foam pre-wrap (underwrap) to protect the skin and hair from the adhesive. Sharp, blunt-tipped medical scissors are needed for safely cutting and removing the tape. An adhesive spray may also be considered to improve tape adherence if excessive sweating is anticipated.
Taping is appropriate for mild to moderate sprains requiring support and discomfort reduction. Never attempt taping if a more severe injury is suspected. Seek immediate professional medical attention if the wrist shows visible deformity, if you cannot move your fingers or wrist, or if the pain is sudden and profound. Taping is a temporary supportive measure and not a replacement for a medical diagnosis to rule out fractures or severe ligament tears.
Applying the Athletic Tape
The first step is positioning the wrist in a functional, slightly extended position, typically about 10 to 15 degrees. This angle helps limit hyperextension, a common mechanism of wrist sprains. Begin applying the pre-wrap at the forearm, overlapping by about half the width of the material. Cover the area from just below the elbow crease down to the knuckles.
Next, establish the anchor strips. Apply one strip of 1.5-inch athletic tape around the distal forearm, two to three inches above the wrist joint. Apply a second strip around the mid-hand, just proximal to the knuckles. These anchors should be applied with minimal tension, serving only to secure the pre-wrap without constricting circulation.
Apply the main support strips to restrict the wrist’s range of motion, often using an “X” or fan pattern. To limit backward bending (hyperextension), apply two to four strips starting on the palmar anchor. Extend these strips diagonally across the wrist joint to finish on the dorsal anchor. Place these strips with a slight pull to provide tension, directly opposing the direction of the painful movement.
For rotational and lateral stability, apply a figure-eight wrap. Start the tape on the dorsal anchor, wrapping it diagonally across the back of the hand. Loop it under the palm, bringing it back up to cross the starting point and continuing around the wrist to the forearm anchor. Apply two or three figure-eight strips, each overlapping the previous one by half its width to build a strong, supportive mesh.
Complete the application by covering all exposed pre-wrap with closing strips of tape. Start with the most proximal anchor on the forearm and apply circular strips, moving toward the hand. Overlap these strips by one-half to one-third of the tape’s width. This process locks the support strips in place and prevents the pre-wrap from unraveling. Ensure the web space between the thumb and index finger remains clear to avoid irritation and allow for comfortable grip.
Circulation Checks and Tape Removal
After the athletic tape is fully applied, perform a circulation check to ensure the tape is not too tight. The most reliable method is the capillary refill test. Briefly press on a fingernail or fingertip skin until the color drains away. The normal pink color should return within two seconds; a delayed return indicates insufficient blood flow and requires immediate tape removal.
Also check the color and temperature of the fingers, as coolness or a bluish tint suggests restricted circulation. Pay attention to any reports of numbness, tingling, or a pins-and-needles sensation, which are signs of nerve compression. If any of these signs are present, the tape must be cut off and reapplied more loosely to prevent tissue damage.
Athletic tape should be removed shortly after the activity that necessitated its use. It is not recommended to leave it on for more than a few hours initially. To remove the tape safely, use blunt-tipped scissors or a specialized tape cutter. Slide the bottom blade along the skin and cut away from the body, typically along the radial (thumb) side of the wrist. Slowly peel the tape off while pressing the skin away from the adhesive to minimize irritation.