KT Tape: Wrist

The wrist is made up of eight small bones (carpals) that support a narrow passage called the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel, supported by a ligament, carries through it the tendons that control the motions of the hand and fingers as well as the nerve that causes such great pain in the condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist primarily is designed to provide range of motion and versatility, but is built in a way to provide stability as well.

Sprains can range from mild to severe, and are graded according to the amount of damage to the ligament. A sprain by definition is damage only to the ligaments when they are stretched beyond normal range, and not to the bone. In some cases bone may be torn away resulting in what is called an avulsion sprain.

Grade I: ligaments are stretched but not torn, and mild to moderate pain exists

Grade II: partial tears of the ligaments exist and range of motion is decreased; pain is generally moderate and discoloration is present

Grade III: complete tears of the ligaments exist that require immediate medical intervention; pain is generally severe and discoloration is certainly present

Wrist sprains or instability can be caused by many factors. Overuse activities such as typing, cutting hair, or racquet sports can cause inflammation of the carpal tunnel and the resultant pain. Trauma such as falling on an outstretched hand can tear or even rupture ligaments that hold everything together. The blunt force during this type of trauma can also cause fractures and bruising that make it very difficult to move the wrist. Other modes of injury include being pushed into something, extreme twisting of the wrist, or mis-hitting something with only a portion of the fist. Contact sports, recreational downhill activities, and occupations at heights create situations common to wrist sprains.

Pain ranges from mild to severe based on the grade of sprain and the damage done to the ligaments and bones. The pain is recreated with almost any movement of the wrist, especially extension. Swelling, discoloration, and radiating pain into the arm and hand are common symptoms. Often times the wrist will be warm to the touch as well.

KT Tape is appropriate for Grade I and II sprains, and Grade III sprains after seeking medical attention. KT Tape provides stability through proprioceptive feedback and mechanical support. Additionally, KT Tape is very comfortable and allows for slight healthy range of motion in order to speed the healing process. Other treatments include rest, ice, NSAIDs, and in very severe cases surgery. It is very important to get an accurate diagnosis is moderate to severe cases in order to avoid complications in the future.








Treatment

This KT Tape application will take pressure off of the wrist and help to facilitate normal movement and decrease inflammation. As a result of the decreased inflammation and support, pain will quickly be decreased -- if not eliminated.

[kelsco]

When is KT Tape going to produce videos for people who have to tape themselves?

[merismos]

I like how you show the different stretch percentages! That helps a lot!

[KTTapevideos]

Thanks for the suggestion. We'll keep that in mind for the next round of videos! We always welcome input!

[hidiie]

a friend applied the tape to me and so far its been on all day without coming off or rolling up and that's with me working in a warehouse, i even took a shower with it on and its still attached, Awesome product!

[KTTapevideos]

The tape is designed to stay on for 3-7 days if you get the Pro. Because of the heavy usage of hands with a lot of movement and washing it will probably be closer to 3 days but you leave it on during washing and showering. Let us know how it goes!

[janetweinstein]

This tape is great for sprains and preventing injuries. The best use was to get rid of warts which 5 dermatologists failed at doing. It’s much better than using duct tape.

[kasiapisz]

How about a video with a technique showing how to apply this on your own?

[zsofiszabo]

i broke both my wrists 4-5 years ago (not at the same time), skipped rehab because of work. both of my hands felt weak, my wrist wre cracking and had tremor in my hands etc. tried this kt tape on myself last year both my hands are fine now! Thank

[astrobiologist]

I was a little skeptical of using KT tape at first, but now I find that I'm using it more often that I thought I would. I'm a Crossfitter and KT tape is super helpful for getting solid quick recoveries for the little sprains and soreness issues that come up from time to time. I tweaked my wrist today on hand-stand pushups and now I'm trying this video's application of KT tape along with icing and an anti-inflammatory. Thanks for the video!

[KTTapevideos]

The last strip is to support the tendons and ligaments involved in supporting the wrist. You can visit our website kttape . com and we have a store locator which will help you find a store near you.

[KTTapevideos]

You'll notice that the tape doesn't have tension on the sides which will keep it from functioning like a tourniquet. This updated version is just as effective as the old version but easier to follow and apply.

[rachelspence]

OMG my wrist feels like Heaven right now! Thank you so much.

[KTTapevideos]

KT Tape is not as bulky or restrictive but still gives you the support you need. Plus you shower with it on so you're never without support.

[shanesworld]

I have had really bad wrist pains from tennis lately. As soon as I put on the KT tape, it immediately felt a lot more supported.

[KTTapevideos]

Not weird. You can tape for any reason at any time. The tape works during sports, or just your day to day activities.

[KTTapevideos]

Yes. KT Tape can help for both of those problems.

[KTTapevideos]

Absolutely. Before during and after.

[KTTapevideos]

It depends on the injury. Have you had a doctor look at it? If there is a fracture involved it could take a while. If it's just a sprain, those can very depending on how bad they are. Have you tried using KT Tape? Give it a shot, it can often help the recovery process.

[futbolchica]

All the colors are exactly the same, the only reason they use different ones is because they want you to be able to see the different applications via contrast. As a user of KT tape it really works and stays on a long time!

[jcarndt]

It's good tape when you have help, but nearly impossible to apply by yourself. how about some help with that ?