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Learn More about Taping Your Knees

When talking to a knee pain doctor, patients might learn about taping. Taping will restrict the movement of the knee to aid in preventing injury or to help in healing a current one. In most cases, this is done immediately after an injury to help in preventing it from getting worse. It is critical to ensure proper taping, as well as know when to tape the knees, because when this is not done correctly it will not offer much help.

Why Tape the Knees?

When this tape is used correctly, it can help in allowing certain knee injuries to heal and athletes may be able to get back to their sport faster. Injuries are not as likely to become aggravated and worsened with physical activity so that you are able to participate in practice, in at least a limited capacity. Certain knee injuries can also be prevented with the use of tape because the knee will have some added stability when properly strapped.

When to Tape or Not Tape the Knees

The knees can be taped anytime someone feels that the joint needs some additional support for exercise or sports. However, there are also times when this should be avoided, such as when a fracture is suspected, the person has circulatory or sensory problems, the skin is compromised or there is an allergy to the sports tape being used, such as a latex allergy. Make sure to use good judgment and consult a doctor or sports therapist to ensure taping is right for you.

Injuries That Can Be Prevented and Helped with Taping

There are certain knee injuries that can be helped or prevented with taping, such as sprains and strains. Taping can help to prevent the injuries from getting worse so that you are still able to participate in practice, or even games, in some instances. It can also prevent injury by helping to provide the knees with some additional support during sports and other forms of physical activity.

Type of Tape to Use

The most common type of tape used to tape the knees is an adhesive, non-stretch sports tape. This type of tape is rigid and provides adequate support without being overly stiff. The knee can still be moved a bit, but full range of motion is inhibited to allow for healing and greater control over the joint. When strapping the knees, try a tape that is 38 millimeters and look for something to put underneath that is hypoallergenic to protect the skin.

You can see that taping the knees is not too difficult. You can get more detailed instructions and information from your knee pain doctor, whether in Green Bay, Appleton, or other communities in the Fox Valley.

If you would like to request a consultation with one of the orthopedic specialists at the Orthopedic & Sports Institute (OSI), please call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online. Additionally, OSI now offers a Walk-In Clinic at its Appleton location for non-life threatening situations that require immediate attention.

The Orthopedic & Sports Institute has convenient locations to serve you. In addition to the flagship facility in Appleton, you will find outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.

OSI is a proud member of NOVO Health.