PROTECTIVE / PREVENTIVE TAPING TECHNIQUE

for the

Ankle Taping for Prevention of the Inversion Ankle Sprain

R.T. Floyd, EdD, ATC

The University of West Alabama

Mechanism of Injury:

Materials:

1. 1. Pre-taping adherent spray or liquid paint (tincture of benzoin).
   2. Pre-taping underwrap.
   3. 1½" white athletic tape (2" white athletic tape may be used which may reduce the total number of strips).
   4. 2-3"x3" heel & lace pads (with petroleum based lubricant).

Preparation:

Procedure:

1. Anchors
2. 1. Begin applying the tape at an 50⁰-75⁰ angle (angles vary depending upon conical shape of leg) to the anterior distal shin approximately 6-8" above the malleoli. Circle around posteriorly and back to the anterior shin, slightly crossing over the beginning of the strip.
   2. Repeat 1.a. twice more moving distally each time by ½ width of the tape. (Do not repeat without tearing the tape and beginning anew each time).
   3. Apply closeout circumferentially around midfoot being careful to avoid undue tension on the 5^th metatarsal.
3. Stirrups (These steps may be alternated with the Horseshoes to achieve a basketweave effect).
4. 1. Begin firmly and fully on the medial aspect of the most proximal shin anchor. Direct the tape straight inferiorly so that the anterior edge of the tape crosses on the most prominent point of the medial malleolus. Continue straight underneath the heel so that as the tape proceeds superolaterally its anterior edge crosses the most prominent point of the lateral malleolus. Continue the tape fully and firmly on to the most proximal anchor. Be sure to seal all tape down securely before proceeding to the next step.
   2. Repeat 2.a. except begin the tape approximately ½ width anterior to previous stirrup. Maintain this ½ width overlap throughout the entire 2^nd stirrup.
   3. Repeat 2.b. except begin the tape approximately ½ width anterior to previous stirrup. Maintain this ½ width overlap throughout the entire 3^rd stirrup until after leaving the 5th metatarsal. Depending upon the foot structure the end of this 3 ^rd stirrup may continue straight up as previous stirrups or it may cross the anterior shin and seal down on the medial shin.
5. Horseshoes (These steps may be alternated with the Stirrups to achieve a basketweave effect).
6. 1. Begin firmly and fully on the lateral aspect of the foot anchor. Direct the tape straight posteriorly so that the superior edge of the tape crosses on the most prominent point of the lateral malleolus. Continue straight around the Achilles so that as the tape proceeds medially its superior edge crosses the most prominent point of the medial malleolus. Continue straight to the foot anchor and seal the tape fully and firmly on to the anchor. Again, be sure to seal all tape down securely before proceeding to the next step.
   2. Repeat 3.a. except begin the tape approximately ½ width superior to previous horseshoe. Maintain this ½ width overlap throughout the entire 2^nd horseshoe.
   3. Repeat 3.b. except begin the tape approximately ½ width superior to previous horseshoe. Maintain this ½ width overlap throughout the entire 3^rd horseshoe. Usually the end of this 3^rd horseshoe will cross over its beginning.
7. 1^st Figure 8
8. 1. Begin with tape placed in lace area and directed toward inner longitudinal arch.
   2. Roll the tape medially and inferiorly underneath the foot.
   3. The tape 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. Be careful not to impinge upon the 5^th metatarsal.
   4. After leaving the lace area, the tape proceeds posteromedially around the Achilles and back to the lace area.
9. 1^st Lateral Heel Lock
10. 1. Proceed from lace area inferomedially underneath the foot being careful to angle posterolaterally toward the lateral heel.
    2. Pull the tape snugly around the lateral heel as the tape continues posteriorly around the Achilles angling medially back to the lace area.
11. 1^st Medial Heel Lock
12. 1. Proceed from lace area inferolaterally underneath the foot being careful to angle posteromedially toward the medial heel.
    2. Pull the tape snugly around the medial heel as the tape continues posteriorly around the Achilles angling laterally back to the lace area.
13. Repeat Step 4.
14. Repeat Step 5.
15. Repeat Step 6. if 2^nd medial heel lock is desired.
16. Closeouts
17. 1. Begin anteriorly just above the malleoli and circle around the shin back anteriorly to cross over the beginning.
    2. Repeat 10.a. 3-5 times except move proximally ½ width of the tape each time. It is necessary to gradually increase the angle as the closeouts are repeated when moving proximally.
    3. Place 1 or possibly 2 closeouts circumferentially around midfoot being careful to avoid excessive tension on the 5^th metatarsal.

Upon Completion:

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