Athletic taping provides mechanical support to a joint following an injury. It creates an external structure that limits excessive or undesirable movement, such as the inversion motion that causes most ankle sprains. The application of rigid, non-elastic tape helps protect stretched ligaments while they heal. This guide details a common method for supporting a mild-to-moderate sprain, but it should not replace a professional medical diagnosis. Precise application is important, as improper technique can cause discomfort or restrict circulation.
Preparing the Ankle and Supplies
You will need non-elastic athletic tape, typically 1.5 inches wide, pre-wrap, heel and lace pads, and sharp scissors. Pre-wrap is a thin foam layer applied directly to the skin to prevent the adhesive tape from pulling hair or causing irritation during removal. Heel and lace pads, or a petroleum-based lubricant, should be placed over high-friction areas, specifically the Achilles tendon and the anterior ankle joint, to protect the skin from blistering.
The skin must be clean, dry, and free of oils or lotions to ensure the tape adheres securely. If the area is hairy, shaving the lower leg and foot improves tape adhesion and minimizes discomfort upon removal. The patient must sit with the leg extended and the foot positioned at a 90-degree angle to the leg, known as dorsiflexion. Maintaining this neutral position is important because it places the joint in a functional state while the tape is applied.
Step-by-Step Taping: The Basketweave Method
The basketweave technique uses alternating vertical and horizontal strips to create a stabilizing lattice structure. This method is suited for inversion sprains, the most common type of ankle injury where the foot rolls inward. The goal is to prevent the foot from inverting further by applying tension on the outer (lateral) side of the ankle.
The process begins with anchor strips, which provide attachment points for the main support strips. One anchor strip is placed around the lower leg, approximately half on the skin and half on the pre-wrap, just above the ankle bone prominences (malleoli). A second anchor strip is placed around the arch of the foot, just behind the ball of the foot (metatarsal heads).
Next, the vertical support strips are applied to limit the inversion motion. These strips start on the inside (medial) aspect of the top anchor, run down the leg, pass directly under the heel, and are pulled up with tension to attach on the outside (lateral) aspect of the top anchor. The first strip should be centered on the heel and Achilles tendon, aligning with the ankle’s midline.
Following each stirrup, a horizontal strip is applied. This strip starts on the inside of the top anchor, wraps around the back of the heel, covering the malleoli, and finishes on the outside of the top anchor. The basketweave pattern is formed by alternating a stirrup strip and a horseshoe strip, overlapping the previous strip by about half its width. This alternating pattern is repeated until three stirrups and three horseshoes have been layered onto the ankle.
Once the main stirrups and horseshoes are complete, the heel locks are applied to provide rotational stability. A heel lock strip begins on the front of the ankle, travels down the side of the foot, wraps underneath the heel, and finishes by circling back up to the starting point, creating a loop around the heel. This sequence is repeated on the opposite side of the ankle to ensure equal support and control of motion.
The final step involves applying closing strips to cover all exposed pre-wrap or loose tape ends and secure the entire structure. These circumferential strips are wrapped around the lower leg and the foot, starting from the lowest anchor and working upward. They must be applied without excessive tension that could compromise circulation. The completed tape job should feel secure and restrictive, yet comfortable enough to allow the toes to move freely.
Post-Taping Safety and When to Seek Medical Help
Immediately following the application of the tape, several safety checks must be performed to ensure proper circulation is maintained. The toes should be checked for color, temperature, and sensation; they must remain pink and warm, and the person should be able to feel a light touch. Capillary refill, tested by pressing on a toenail, should return color in less than two seconds.
Signs that the tape may be too tight include numbness, tingling, or a throbbing sensation in the foot or toes. If these symptoms develop, the tape must be removed immediately and reapplied with less tension. The tape is only meant to provide external support and should not be worn continuously for more than a day unless directed by a medical professional, as prolonged use can lead to skin irritation or muscle weakness.
Certain symptoms indicate that the injury is beyond the scope of home care and requires immediate medical attention. These red flags include a complete inability to bear weight on the injured foot. Severe, rapidly increasing swelling, or any visible deformity of the ankle joint or foot, warrant evaluation by a doctor. If the pain is severe and persistent even after the application of the tape, professional medical diagnosis is necessary.