An external bolster for a medical catheter, the external bolster comprising an integral strain relief member for diminishing the effect of an externally-directed force applied to the medical catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the external bolster is a flexible, unitary member comprising a lower portion and an upper portion. The lower portion comprises an annular base, the base having a top surface, a bottom surface and a central opening. A plurality of spaced apart feet extend downwardly from the bottom surface of the base. A sleeve extends upwardly from the top surface of the base in alignment with the central opening, the sleeve and the central opening jointly defining a bore of uniform cross-section. The upper portion comprises an elbow-shaped tubular member having a vertical portion, a horizontal portion and a longitudinal lumen. The vertical portion of the tubular member is disposed on top of the sleeve, with its lumen aligned with the bore. The upper portion also includes a tether for maintaining the tubular member in a bent state, the tether having a first end secured to the horizontal portion and a second end secured to the vertical portion.