The primary goal of strapping a sprained ankle is to provide external stabilization, limiting the joint’s movement to prevent further ligament damage. This technique restricts excessive inversion and eversion, the motions responsible for most ankle sprains. Strapping is appropriate for Grade I sprains (microscopic tearing) and carefully assessed mild Grade II sprains where the ligament is partially torn but the joint remains stable. The tape offers mechanical support while the body begins the healing process.
Essential Safety Checks and Materials
Before strapping an ankle, perform a safety check to determine if the injury is appropriate for at-home care. Seek immediate professional medical attention if the individual cannot bear weight on the foot, experiences severe swelling or crushing pain, or if there is an obvious deformity. These symptoms indicate a more serious injury, such as a fracture or a high-grade ligament tear, requiring specialized intervention.
The R.I.C.E. protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) should be initiated immediately after the injury to manage swelling and pain before applying strapping. For a smooth application, gather the proper materials. You will need non-elastic 1.5-inch athletic tape, a roll of thin pre-wrap to protect the skin, and blunt-tipped scissors for safe removal. Optional but recommended items include heel and lace pads, which are small foam squares that prevent blistering over bony prominences.
Applying the Stabilization Strapping Technique
Properly preparing the ankle involves ensuring the skin is clean and dry to maximize the tape’s adhesive properties. The ankle should be positioned in a neutral or slightly dorsiflexed position, meaning the foot is held at a 90-degree angle to the lower leg. This position helps lock the joint in a functional position, providing maximum support.
A thin layer of pre-wrap is applied from just below the calf muscle down to the arch of the foot, avoiding wrinkles that could cause skin irritation. Next, two anchor strips are placed using the rigid tape. The first wraps around the lower shin over the pre-wrap, and the second encircles the mid-foot just behind the toes. These anchors provide the base points for subsequent support strips.
The crucial stabilization elements are the stirrups, which are vertical strips of tape applied to limit side-to-side motion. Beginning on the inside anchor, a strip is pulled down the inner side of the leg, under the heel, and up the outside of the leg to secure it to the outer anchor. This strip is applied with tension to stabilize the joint. Apply at least three stirrups, overlapping the previous one by approximately half its width, with the middle strip centered directly under the heel.
Following the stirrups, apply a series of horizontal horseshoe strips. Start just above the inner ankle bone, go around the back of the heel, and end just above the outer ankle bone. These strips further compress the area and cover any exposed pre-wrap. Apply three horseshoe strips, each overlapping the one before, to create a continuous layer of supportive tape.
The next step integrates a figure-eight pattern, providing compression and rotational stability across the joint. Starting on the shin anchor, the tape crosses diagonally over the front of the ankle, wraps under the arch of the foot, and returns diagonally across the front to the starting anchor. This forms a figure-eight shape and offers dynamic support during movement.
Heel locks are applied to control the movement of the heel bone. Starting on the inside of the shin anchor, the tape is directed down and back around the heel, coming up on the outside of the ankle and returning to the anchor. A second heel lock is applied starting on the outside of the anchor and following the reverse path, stabilizing the heel from both sides.
The final stage involves applying closure strips, which are straight strips of tape used to cover any exposed pre-wrap or loose ends. Start from the ankle and work down to the foot anchor. A final figure-eight pattern can be applied over the closure strips for additional security. The completed strapping should feel snug and restrictive but should not cause pain, numbness, or a throbbing sensation.
Monitoring, Removal, and Next Steps
Once the strapping is complete, immediately check the circulation in the foot to ensure the tape is not too tight. Perform a capillary refill test on the toes: pressing briefly on a toenail should cause the color to blanch, and the pink color should return within two seconds. Check for any numbness, tingling, or a change in skin temperature or color, as a cold or blue foot indicates compromised circulation and necessitates immediate removal.
Athletic tape is intended for short-term support and should not be worn for more than 24 hours continuously without professional assessment. The strapping must be removed before going to sleep to prevent potential circulatory issues. To safely remove the strapping, use blunt-tipped scissors to cut the tape along the top of the foot and up the leg, cutting away from bony areas or the injured tissue.
After removal, reassess the ankle for swelling, pain, and stability. Continue using R.I.C.E. and gentle range-of-motion exercises. The strapping technique can be reapplied for support during short periods of activity, but professional consultation is recommended to guide the long-term rehabilitation plan.