Arm bandages are designed to stabilize sprains and soft tissue injuries. They are created to surround the forearm, the upper arm, and the shoulder area, and come in roller, tubular and triangular shapes. A roller arm bandage is generally used to secure dressings and to support injured limbs. This style can be made of cotton, gauze, elastic fabric or linen. Generally a roller arm bandage is made with an open weave to allow ventilation and to prevent pressure from being placed on the injury. Roller arm bandages are normally elasticized, molding to the shape of your arm as you roll them around the limb. This type of bandage is right for securing dressings and supporting sprains. Crepe arm bandages provide a firmer support for injured joints. Tubular arm bandages are also good for holding dressings in place and supporting injured joints and are generally made of a seamless fabric. Triangular arm bandages are those that fold into a triangular shape to be used as a sling to support the arm or to keep a dressing in place.
What to Look for
When buying an arm bandage it is important to take into account the type of injury you have and what form will best suit the healing process. Consult with your physician to determine if you should wear a roller style in open weave or crepe, a tubular style, or a sling. Look for arm bandages that do not use tape that can stick to arm hair, causing discomfort when they are removed. Tubular arm bandages come with graded compression from the shoulder to wrist area, which can provide a perfect fit and sensation for specific injuries that require support.
Common Pitfalls
When purchasing an arm bandage, include a plastic protector to place over the area while you are showering or bathing. You will want to keep moisture away from the area at all times to ensure healing. If you are placing an arm bandage on someone, make sure you do not lean across the injured person's body to do so, but rather work from one side of the body. Keep the injured area supported in the same position it will be in once the bandage is secured. Check that the arm bandage is not too tight so that it does not interfere with circulation. Press the skin to make sure that the color returns immediately, which is a sign that the bandage is providing the right amount of pressure.
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