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Learn how to secure and support your wrist cartilage disc yourself

Follow our step-by-step kinesiology taping guide — at home.

CureTape — How to tape a TFCC injury – cartilage disc in the wrist


Is the cartilage in your wrist damaged or is there a small tear? Then you may be dealing with a TFCC injury. In the wrist there is a type of meniscus, a cartilage disc called the Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC).

This disc provides stability to the wrist and functions as a shock absorber. A tear in this structure can occur due to a fall, wear and tear, or trauma. TFCC stands for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex. This taping method is an effective choice to support the wrist and give it a more stable feeling.

This taping application can help with:

  • Pain
  • Swelling
  • Stabilizing the TFCC (cartilage disc of the wrist)
  • Stabilizing the wrist joint
  • Providing support to the wrist ligaments

Can be applied for the following conditions:

  • Bruised wrist joint
  • Pain in the wrist when squeezing the hand
  • Pain in the middle or pinky side of the wrist
  • TFCC injury – disc lesion
  • Overuse injuries of the wrist
  • Problems with flexion and extension of the wrist
  • Hypermobile wrist joint

Jump to: Preparation  ·  Measuring & cutting  ·  Application


This taping method may help with:

Relieve pain

Reduce tension and discomfort in the affected area

Support the tissue

Gentle stabilisation during movement and recovery

Improve movement

More comfortable daily activities during recovery

Support recovery

Allow overloaded tissue to recover while staying active

It can be applied for:

Overuse complaints

Pain from repetitive strain or prolonged activity

Acute injury support

Additional stability after sudden strain or sprain

Sports-related pain

Support during training and return to sport

Daily discomfort

Relief during walking, standing, or daily tasks

Taping for TFCC wrist injury – video tutorial

Helpful tips for kinesiology taping applications

Is the cause of the pain or discomfort clear?

Carefully review the instructions before starting to tape.

Select the tape color you prefer.

Do not apply stretch at the beginning or end of the tape.

Rub the tape firmly to activate the adhesive.

Check for any contraindications before taping.

On average, the tape will stay in place for three to seven days.

You can shower while wearing the tape.

Removing the tape is easier with a little oil.

Preparation before taping the wrist cartilage disc

Shape
I-strip
Number of strips
2
Technique
Ligament technique (with stretch)

Measuring and cutting the tape

 

Step1

Measure & Cut

  1. Cut two small I-strips of about 10–12 cm. Round off the ends (anchors).
  2. Measure the circumference of the wrist for the small I-strip, leaving a gap about three fingers wide.

Applying wrist tape when the pain is located in the center of the wrist

When applying wrist tape, it’s often helpful to ask someone to assist you in placing the tape correctly.

Step2

Position the wrist and apply first I-strip

  1. Keep the hand and wrist in a neutral position before applying the tape.
  2. Tear the backing paper of the first small I-strip (blue) in the middle and apply the tape with stretch.
  3. Apply the small I-strip from the center of the wrist toward the sides with firm tension (ligament technique). Then place the two ends (anchors) without stretch toward the inside of the wrist. Make sure to leave a gap of about two fingers where no tape is applied. Rub the tape firmly to secure it.

Step3

Apply second I-strip

  1. Turn the wrist over and apply the second I-strip using the same technique described above.

Step4

The final result, viewed from above

  1. The two wrist tapes should overlap slightly.

Step5

The final result as seen from the palm side

  1. It is also important that you do not apply stretch to the anchors. This is important when taping in a circular pattern because too much tension can put unnecessary pressure on the ulna and radius.

Popular products to tape your wrist

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Christina’s advice on taping for TFCC injuries

When taping your wrist, it’s crucial to choose a tape that provides strong adhesion and support. That’s why I recommend CureTape kinesiology tape. For regular use, CureTape Classic or Art is ideal. However, if you’re engaging in extreme sports or swimming, opt for the extra sticky CureTape Sports variant! I have selected practical, easy-to-follow self-taping applications alongside a few valuable tips from clinical experience. For an optimal recovery, remember to combine this taping with specific wrist exercises, and always consult a physiotherapist or GP if your symptoms persist.

For the self-taping instructions, I’ve selected applications that are simple to apply on your own by following the step-by-step guide. To make sure the treatment is safe, I provide practical tips to keep in mind before, during, and after taping. These recommendations are based on my many years of clinical experience. If your symptoms persist, always consult a physical therapist or physician.

Christina Peter

Christina Peter
Physiotherapist & Taping Instructor

Christina Peter

Disclaimer: Please note: the suggested tape applications and the information on our website regarding the possibilities of the Medical Taping Concept are not yet scientifically proven. The stated claims are based primarily on extensive experience from therapists and users of CureTape® products. No rights can be derived from the content on this website.

Contraindications for not using tape: pregnancy, open wounds, bone fractures, unexplained complaints, allergies and skin conditions, medication use such as blood thinners, thrombosis, and fever. Always consult a medical professional if in doubt.