Used for injuries to the knee, knee bandages, also know as "Ace" bandages, provide compression to the knee joint to reduce the amount of fluid in the area. While compression bandages decrease the swelling in the knee, they also help to eliminate pain in the area, especially when used in conjunction with ice and anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. ibuprofen, naproxen). Knee bandages help to protect the injured area which can help reduce the time needed to heal from an injury. They are also used to help remind a person that they have an injury in that area so that they do not cause any additional harm.
What to Look for
Compressive knee bandages are sold widely in drug stores, grocery stores, value markets, surgical supply stores and in online stores. Most bandages range in size from 2 inches to 6 inches in width. Before applying a bandage to the knee, evaluate the integrity of the skin to ensure that it is both clean and dry. The bandage should be rolled and applied starting below the knee joint to cover the area which needs the most compression. Keep the bandage close to the knee as it is being applied. Clips are used to secure the bandage into place, but cloth tape can also be used for this purpose. If your bandage remains clean after use, it may be recycled for future use. When removing the bandage, start above the knee and wrap in the opposite direction from the direction in which it was initially applied.
If your knee injury worsens or has increased swelling, pain, or numbness, please consult your physician for further evaluation. If these symptoms occur, you might have a serious injury to the knee which needs a professional evaluation to determine if a specialized brace, rehabilitation, or operative intervention is needed.
Common Pitfalls
Make sure that the bandage has no wrinkles since this can lead to a skin injury. Also, do not wrap the bandage too tightly as this may lead to color changes in the affected limb, decrease in sensation and temperature, and an increase in pain. Check the toes of the affected limb to check for normal circulation.
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