Ankle injuries, particularly those involving ligament damage, are common. Strapping the ankle with athletic tape provides external stability to the joint. This can assist in managing discomfort and supporting the ankle.
Understanding Ankle Ligament Damage and Support
Ankle ligaments are strong, fibrous bands of connective tissue that connect bones, providing stability to the ankle joint. These ligaments prevent the ankle from twisting or collapsing. Ligament damage, commonly known as a sprain, occurs when these ligaments are stretched or torn due to sudden twists or impacts. Sprains are classified by severity, ranging from mild stretching (Grade I) to a complete rupture (Grade III).
Strapping an ankle with ligament damage offers external reinforcement. This helps restrict excessive motion that could further aggravate the injury. The controlled movement provided by strapping can also contribute to pain reduction and swelling management by compressing the injured area. By stabilizing the joint, it aids in creating a more favorable environment for healing.
Essential Supplies for Ankle Strapping
Effective ankle strapping requires specific materials. Adhesive athletic tape is a primary component. This non-stretchy tape provides rigid support to limit joint movement.
Before applying the adhesive tape, a layer of pre-wrap or underwrap is used. This soft, porous material creates a protective barrier between the skin and the adhesive, preventing irritation and making tape removal more comfortable. Sharp scissors are also needed for cutting the tape.
Step-by-Step Ankle Strapping Technique
Before beginning, ensure the skin around the ankle is clean, dry, and free of lotions or oils. Trimming hair can improve adhesion and reduce discomfort during removal. Positioning the foot at a 90-degree angle to the lower leg throughout the application helps maintain a functional and stable position.
Begin by applying a layer of pre-wrap directly to the skin, starting from the arch of the foot or just below the ball of the foot and extending upward to about 2-3 inches above the ankle. Overlap each wrap by about half its width to ensure complete coverage and prevent gaps.
Next, create anchor strips with the adhesive athletic tape. Apply one anchor strip horizontally around the lower leg, roughly 4-6 inches above the ankle bone. A second anchor strip should be placed around the midfoot, just behind the toes, providing a stable base for subsequent tape applications. Ensure these anchors are firm but not too tight to avoid restricting circulation.
Following the anchors, apply stirrup strips. These strips run vertically from the top anchor, down the side of the ankle, under the heel, and up the opposite side to the top anchor. Apply three stirrups, overlapping each by half its width, with the middle stirrup directly under the heel and the others slightly anterior and posterior to it. These provide lateral and medial support to the ankle.
After the stirrups, apply a series of “figure-eight” strips. Start from the top anchor on one side, cross the front of the ankle, go under the arch of the foot, around the outside of the ankle bone, and back up to the starting anchor. Repeat this pattern two to three times, creating crisscrossing support.
Finally, apply heel lock strips to secure the heel and prevent excessive inversion or eversion. Begin on the top anchor, wrap around the back of the heel, under the arch, and back up to the top anchor on the opposite side. Apply two heel locks, one starting from each side of the ankle. Conclude the strapping by applying additional horizontal closure strips over any exposed pre-wrap or loose tape ends. Ensure the tape is applied smoothly without wrinkles, as wrinkles can cause skin irritation or pressure points.
Important Considerations and Professional Guidance
Self-strapping an ankle is not appropriate for all injuries. Immediate medical attention is necessary if there is severe pain, visible deformity, an inability to bear any weight on the foot, or symptoms like numbness and tingling. These symptoms can indicate a more serious injury, such as a fracture or a severe ligament tear, which requires professional diagnosis and treatment.
Seeking a professional medical diagnosis before attempting any self-treatment is important. While strapping offers temporary support, it is not a substitute for a thorough medical evaluation to determine the extent and nature of the ligament damage.
Monitor the strapped ankle for signs of excessive tightness. Symptoms such as numbness, tingling, a change in skin color (bluish or pale), increased pain, or throbbing sensations indicate that the strapping is too restrictive and should be loosened or removed immediately. Proper circulation is important to prevent complications.
Ankle strapping provides external support and limits certain movements, but it is a temporary measure. It does not “cure” ligament damage and should be used as part of a broader rehabilitation program. Professional guidance ensures strapping is used safely and effectively as a component of a comprehensive recovery strategy.