By body part

Tubular bandage for wrist, hand and fingers

The smaller sizes suit wrists, hands and fingers. These are the sizes most often bought for children, for holding small dressings in place, and for light support after a sprain or strain. Sizes A, B and C cover everything from a finger to a large forearm.

Which size

What size tubular bandage for wrist?

Wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of the area the bandage will cover, without pulling it tight. Match that number to a size. If a dressing goes underneath, allow for the extra bulk.

Size A

4″–6″ (10–15 cm) Fingers, toes, infant limbs

Size B

6″–11.5″ (15–29 cm) Wrist, small hand

Size C

9″–13.5″ (23–34 cm) Larger wrist, forearm

Tubular bandage to hold dressing in place

A tubular sleeve holds a dressing without tape on the skin, which matters on hands where adhesive lifts every time you flex. Use an appropriate wound dressing underneath: a non-sterile support bandage is not a wound-contact layer.

Getting it right on a hand

Hands are awkward because the shape changes constantly and the skin over the knuckles stretches a long way. Cut a length longer than you think you need, so it can move with the joint instead of pulling at the edges. If you need to leave the thumb free, cut a small opening in the side of the sleeve rather than trying to work around the thumb with a shorter length.

Check the fingertips regularly. Tingling, numbness, coldness or a change in colour means it is too tight, and the answer is a larger size rather than a looser application. Take it off at night unless you have been told otherwise, and reapply in the morning.

Questions

What size tubular bandage should I use for my wrist or hand?

Size B fits approximately 6 to 11.5 inches and is intended for wrists and small hands.

What size works for a finger or toe?

Size A is our smallest, fitting 4 to 6 inches of circumference. It is intended for fingers, toes, infant feet and infant arms.

Which size for a larger wrist or forearm?

Size C fits 9 to 13.5 inches, which covers larger wrists and most forearms.

Can I use it on a child?

Smaller sizes are commonly used for children's limbs. Measure the child rather than choosing by age, and check more often than you would on an adult that it is not too tight.

Can a tubular bandage help carpal tunnel?

No. Carpal tunnel syndrome is nerve compression inside the wrist, and it is usually managed with a rigid or semi-rigid splint that holds the wrist in a neutral position. A tubular bandage does not hold a position, so it is not the right product for it. Speak to a clinician about what kind of splint you need.

Will it support a sprained wrist?

It gives light even compression, which helps with the swelling and makes the wrist feel more supported. It does not restrict movement, so it is not a substitute for a splint or brace if one has been recommended. Measure while the wrist is swollen, because that changes the number.

How do I keep it from sliding off my hand?

Sliding is almost always a size problem. A sleeve that slips is usually too large for the measurement, or has lost its elasticity through washing. Measure the widest part of the hand with the thumb tucked in, and replace the bandage when it no longer returns to shape.

Can I wash my hands with it on?

It will get wet and stay damp, which is uncomfortable and not good for skin underneath a dressing. Take it off to wash, or cover it. The bandage itself is machine washable, so cut a few lengths from the roll and rotate them.

Not sure? Measure first.

Small sizes reach their limit quickly. If the measurement is close to the top of a range, take the next size up.

Open the size guide