The Effect of Kinesio Taping on Edema Control and Wrist Functions in Conservatively Followed Distal Radius Fractures.

Kinesio tape is used successfully in the control of edema related to the extremity, especially in the control of lymphedema that develops after surgery.Kinesiotape is a non-allergic elastic tape applied to the skin surface.There are publications showing that kinesio tape applications are beneficial for edema control after interventional procedures such as anterior cruciate ligament surgery and knee prosthesis related to orthopedic surgical interventions. There is no publication on the effectiveness of kinesio tape application in the control and rehabilitation of post-cast edema of wrist fractures.It is planned to investigate the positive effects of kinesio tape in edema control and rehabilitation.

The prevalence of distal radius fracture is increasing day by day. Circular cast is applied in 70-80% of patients treated for distal radius fractures.During the rehabilitation of patients after plaster application, joint stiffness, swelling on the hand and wrist, and edema are frequently encountered.Edema in the hand and wrist negatively affects the daily activities of patients, their quality of life, wrist and finger functions.

Edema is the main problem in rehabilitation after upper extremity injuries.It is known that fibrosis and adhesions in soft tissues develop as a result of prolonged extremity edema.

Elevation, massage, cold application, pressure gloves are used for edema control.

Kinesio tape is used successfully in the control of edema related to the extremity, especially in the control of lymphedema that develops after surgery.Kinesiotape is a non-allergic elastic tape applied to the skin surface. Kinesio Tape working mechanism opens the distance between the skin and subcutaneous tissues after it is applied to the skin and increases lymphatic drainage.

Kinesio tape also has the effect of supporting the joint and soft tissues around the joint.

Research on kinesio tape has generally focused on the control of lymphedema that develops after breast cancer surgery or stroke.

There are publications showing that kinesio tape applications are beneficial for edema control after interventional procedures such as anterior cruciate ligament surgery and knee prosthesis related to orthopedic surgical interventions.

Considering the studies conducted for edema control in patients treated for distal radius fractures, the effect of massage applications on edema has been investigated and it has been shown that massage has positive effects on edema control and wrist functions(9).

In another study, the effectiveness of modified massage methods in the treatment of edema was investigated and its positive effects were observed. There is no publication on the effectiveness of kinesio tape application in the control and rehabilitation of post-cast edema of wrist fractures. It is planned to investigate the positive effects of kinesio tape in edema control and rehabilitation.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who underwent plaster treatment for distal radius fracture
2. Patients over 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

1. To have been treated for lymphedema in the upper extremity before
2. Patients who have been operated for breast cancer
3. Bilateral distal raidus fracture
4. History of previous surgery related to the same extremity
5. Pathological fracture
6. Open fracture, active infection in the involved extremity
7. Presence of diseases with clinical course with peripheral edema such as heart failure, pulmonary hypertension
8. Cognitive dysfunction that impairs perception of test instructions