A sprained ankle occurs when the strong ligaments supporting the joint are stretched beyond capacity, often resulting in small tears. This common injury typically happens when the foot twists or rolls awkwardly, forcing the ankle out of its normal position. The primary aim of applying tape, or strapping, is to provide mechanical support and stability to the joint. Strapping limits excessive movement, particularly the inward roll of the foot (an inversion sprain). By restricting this range of motion, the tape allows damaged ligaments to rest and begin recovery while still permitting movement within a pain-free limit.
Assessing the Injury Before Taping
Before attempting to strap an ankle, determine the severity of the injury, as some conditions require immediate medical attention. A mild sprain (Grade 1) involves minimal tearing and usually allows for weight-bearing, albeit with discomfort. Self-taping is generally appropriate only for these less severe injuries where the ankle is stable enough to walk on.
You must seek professional medical evaluation if you exhibit “red flag” symptoms suggesting a more serious injury, such as a fracture. These signs include the inability to bear any weight and take four steps immediately after the injury or during examination. Pain upon touching the bony points on the posterior edge of the medial or lateral malleolus (the prominent ankle bones) is another indicator for seeking an X-ray. Severe bruising, a noticeable deformity, or pain that worsens significantly after a few days also necessitate consulting a healthcare provider.
Necessary Taping Materials
To effectively strap a sprained ankle, gather a few specific materials. The most important supply is rigid athletic tape, typically 1.5 inches wide, which is non-elastic and designed for maximum stabilization. This tape is necessary because its lack of stretch restricts movement that could re-injure the ligaments.
To protect the skin from irritation and blistering, apply a soft, foam under-wrap (pre-wrap) directly to the skin before the tape. Pre-wrap also makes tape removal easier, preventing the adhesive from pulling on the skin or hair. For areas prone to friction, such as the heel and front of the ankle, small foam or felt heel and lace pads can be placed over the pre-wrap to prevent rubbing.
Applying the Ankle Taping Technique
The closed basketweave technique provides comprehensive support by combining vertical stirrups and horizontal horseshoe strips. Begin by positioning the foot at a 90-degree angle (dorsiflexion), maintaining this position throughout the application for maximal support. First, apply anchor strips around the lower calf (just above the ankle bones) and around the mid-foot. These anchors serve as non-constricting attachment points for the main support strips.
Next, apply three to four vertical stirrups. These strips start on the medial (inner) anchor, run down the inside of the leg, under the heel, and up the outside to attach to the lateral (outer) anchor. These stirrups are the primary strips for restricting the ankle’s inward roll and should be pulled tautly under the foot. Alternate each stirrup with a horizontal horseshoe strip, which wraps around the back of the heel. This alternating pattern creates the strong “basketweave” structure, with each strip overlapping the previous one by about half its width.
Once the basketweave is complete, apply two heel locks for rotational stability. A heel lock starts at the front of the ankle, wraps down around the back of the heel, and returns to the starting point in a figure-eight pattern. Apply one heel lock on the medial side and one on the lateral side to cup the heel from both directions. The final step involves applying closing strips around the leg and foot. These strips cover all exposed pre-wrap to secure the underlying support and create a smooth, finished surface.
Recognizing Complications and When to Seek Care
After applying the tape, monitor the ankle closely for signs that the strapping is too tight, which can impede circulation. Signs of restricted blood flow include bluish or purple discoloration of the toes, numbness, tingling, or increased throbbing pain. To check circulation, press a toenail until it turns white; if the color does not return within two seconds, the tape is too tight and must be removed and reapplied.
Rigid athletic tape should generally be worn for a limited duration, often less than a day, and removed before sleeping to allow the skin to breathe. If the tape becomes wet, loose, or causes skin irritation, remove it immediately to prevent blistering or skin breakdown. If pain worsens, swelling increases, or you are still unable to walk comfortably after a full day, the injury requires professional medical assessment.