An elastic adhesive bandage is a common element used in sports medicine. The bandage is ideal for taping ankles, wrists, knees and shoulders as it helps to support sprains and injuries in a joint area. An elastic adhesive bandage is designed to adhere to the skin, doing no harm to the area. It can also be placed on top of an under-wrap and is often used to finish off a taping job on a particular body part. The beauty of an elastic adhesive bandage is that it totally conforms to the body part being wrapped, supporting soft tissue injuries by providing a healthy degree of compression. In this way, it helps to minimize swelling and speed up the healing process. Additionally, using an elastic adhesive bandage assists in providing sensory feedback to the brain which helps prevent further injury to the area. Where other types of tape can be restrictive, an elastic adhesive bandage actually assists in keeping joints mobile, making it an excellent choice for use in high stress sports. Elastic adhesive bandages are made of a combination of cotton and latex to create elasticity and are coated with either acrylic or an adhesive to allow the bandage to stick properly.
What to Look for
When shopping for an elastic adhesive bandage, look for a high strength brand that comes off the roll smoothly. The bandage comes in a variety of sizes, with 2 inches by 2 1/2 yards being the average. Choose a size that best fits your needs. You can find elastic adhesive bandages with either a straight edge or ribbon edge, both of which are appropriate for use. An elastic adhesive bandage should have some give, but not be so soft that it cannot provide the needed pressure and containment for your joint injury.
Common Pitfalls
When using an elastic adhesive bandage, make sure not to wrap it too tightly around the injured area. You don't want to cut off circulation, but by the same token, you want it to be firm enough to provide adequate compression to the area. Make sure when disposing of the bandage you place it in a closed plastic bag before putting it in the trash. This way it will not be exposed to possible tampering by young children or pets. Change your bandage often to avoid a build up of bacteria and dirt in the area.
