PROTECTIVE / PREVENTIVE TAPING TECHNIQUE

Ankle Wrapping for Prevention of the Inversion Ankle Sprain

R.T. Floyd, EdD, ATC

The University of West Alabama

Mechanism of Injury:

Materials:

1. 1. 1-tightly rolled 2" non-elastic cotton wrap.
   2. 1½" white athletic tape or 2" light elastic tape.
   3. 2-3"x3" heel & lace pads.

Preparation:

Procedure:

1. 1^st Figure 8
2. 1. Begin with wrap placed in lace area and directed toward inner longitudinal arch.
   2. Roll the wrap medially and inferiorly underneath the foot.
   3. The wrap should proceed straight across the plantar aspect of the foot and progress around the lateral border back to the lace area and cross over itself.
   4. After leaving the lace area, the wrap proceeds posteromedially around the Achilles and back to the lace area.
3. 1^st Lateral Heel Lock
4. 1. Proceed from lace area inferomedially underneath the foot being careful to angle posterolaterally toward the lateral heel.
   2. Pull the wrap snugly around the lateral heel as the wrap continues posteriorly around the Achilles angling medially back to the lace area.
5. 1^st Medial Heel Lock
6. 1. Proceed from lace area inferolaterally underneath the foot being careful to angle posteromedially toward the medial heel.
   2. Pull the wrap snugly around the medial heel as the wrap continues posteriorly around the Achilles angling laterally back to the lace area.
7. Repeat Step 1.
8. Repeat Step 2.
9. Repeat Step 3. if enough wrap is left on roll, if not proceed to closeouts.
10. Closeouts
11. 1. Proceed from lace area moving proximally by no more than ½ widths of the wrap in a circumferential fashion. Generally the wrap should end approximately 2" above the malleoli.
12. Secure end of wrap with one strip of tape.
13. Repeat Step 1. with tape.
14. Repeat Step 2. with tape.
15. Repeat Step 3. with tape.
16. Repeat 8., 9., & 10. if more support is desired.
17. Tape Closeouts
18. 1. Place 1 or possibly 2 closeouts circumferentially around midfoot with the tape placed equally on the distal wrap and on the sock.
    2. Place 2 to 5 closeouts circumferentially around proximal wrap with the most proximal strip placed equally on the proximal wrap and on the sock.

Upon Completion:

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