Knee strapping, or taping, provides external support to a joint following a mild injury, such as a ligament sprain. The primary goal is to limit excessive or painful motion, effectively acting as a temporary external ligament. This mechanical support reduces strain on injured structures, decreasing pain and offering stability during activity. Taping is a temporary measure intended to manage symptoms and facilitate movement for minor issues, but it is never a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or comprehensive rehabilitation.
Preparation Before Taping
Before taping, gather the necessary materials: rigid athletic tape, protective underwrap (pre-wrap), skin adhesive spray, and sharp scissors. Preparing the skin is crucial to ensure the tape adheres securely and prevents irritation. The skin must be clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions, which can be accomplished by wiping the area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
Excessive hair should be trimmed or shaved, as tape adheres poorly and causes discomfort upon removal. Applying a thin layer of skin adhesive spray improves the tape’s grip, especially if the person will be sweating. The limb must be positioned correctly before application; for the knee, this usually involves a slight bend, approximately 15 to 20 degrees of flexion. This slight bend prevents the tape from restricting circulation or range of motion when the knee flexes during activity.
Underwrap is then applied directly to the skin, covering the entire area where the rigid tape will be placed. This layer acts as a barrier, protecting the skin from the athletic tape’s strong adhesive. The underwrap should be applied smoothly without wrinkles and with minimal tension to avoid forming a tourniquet effect.
Step-by-Step for Medial Collateral Ligament Support
To support the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), which resists valgus stress (force pushing the knee inward), rigid athletic tape is required. Begin by applying two anchor strips with minimal tension: one circumferentially around the lower thigh, a few inches above the kneecap, and a second around the upper calf, a few inches below the joint line. These anchors serve as stable points for the support strips.
The support strips are applied next, mimicking the path of the MCL on the medial (inner) side of the knee. Using rigid tape, apply the first strip diagonally, starting from the outer (lateral) thigh anchor and crossing over the inner joint line to attach to the inner calf anchor. This strip directly opposes the opening of the knee joint.
The second strip crosses the first, forming an “X” pattern directly over the MCL. Start this strip from the inner thigh anchor and cross it diagonally to the outer calf anchor. Repeat this X-pattern two to three times, with each new layer overlapping the previous one by half, to build substantial support against valgus force.
Leave the popliteal space (the soft area at the back of the knee) completely free of tape to avoid compressing blood vessels and nerves. Once the support strips are in place, apply several closure strips, mirroring the original anchors, to cover and secure the ends of the supportive X-strips. These final strips ensure the tape job remains intact during physical activity.
Taping for General Knee Compression and Stability
For general stability, mild swelling, or issues like patellar tracking, elastic Kinesiology tape is utilized, as it allows for a greater range of motion than rigid tape. This method focuses on proprioceptive feedback and gentle compression rather than blocking specific movement. The tape is applied with the knee slightly bent, typically around 30 degrees of flexion.
For broad support, a common technique uses two long Y-shaped strips, each having a single base and two tails. The base of the first Y-strip anchors just above the kneecap, with the two tails applied down each side of the patella, tracing the contours of the thigh muscles. The tape should be applied with a mild stretch, generally 25 to 50 percent of its maximal length.
A second Y-strip anchors below the kneecap, with its tails extending upwards and wrapping around the sides of the kneecap to intersect the first strip. This basket-like application surrounds the patella, guiding its movement and providing stability without severely limiting joint action. The ends of all tape strips (the anchors) must be laid down without stretch to prevent premature peeling.
The distinction between elastic and rigid tape is functional: rigid tape creates a firm mechanical block for specific instability (such as the MCL), while elastic tape provides dynamic support and sensory input. The elastic quality of Kinesiology tape lifts the skin microscopically, which is thought to improve fluid movement and provide feedback to the nervous system about joint position.
Indicators That Require Medical Attention
While strapping assists with minor sprains, certain symptoms indicate a severe injury requiring immediate professional medical evaluation. If an audible “pop” or tearing sensation was felt at the time of injury, it may suggest a complete ligament rupture or meniscal tear. Immediate and rapid swelling that causes the knee to balloon within a few hours is a sign of internal bleeding within the joint.
Inability to bear weight on the injured leg or a persistent feeling of the knee “giving way” are indicators of joint instability, often related to significant ligament damage. A knee that is physically locked (cannot be fully straightened) suggests a mechanical blockage, such as a displaced piece of torn cartilage. Persistent, severe pain that does not lessen with rest, ice, and temporary strapping also warrants a medical visit. Strapping should only be used as temporary support for minor injuries, not as a long-term solution for severe symptoms.