In this video we demonstrate one method of taping for an inversion ankle sprain, the most common sports ankle injury.
References:
Perrin, D.H. (2019). Athletic Taping, Bracing, and Casting. Human Kinetics.
www.orthobullets.com
www.physio-pedia.com/home/
Ankle Sprain Taping:
Excessive inversion/eversion/high ankle
Eversion is less common because of strong deltoid ligament complex
High ankle sprain is more severe but uncommon. It involves the ATFL + IO membrane and is caused by forced dorsiflexion and external rotation.
Inversion is most common.
This video will focus on taping for the common inversion injury
Many variations but they all involve:
Anchoring
Stirrups +/- spurs/horseshoes
Heel locks (or more fancy figure 8 heel lock)
Figure 8
POSITIONING
Ankle at 90 degrees with heel off the ground
STEP 1
Anchoring strips
Distal leg x2
Just before calcaneal tendon meets gastrocnemius m.
Proximal foot x2
As proximal as possible
Very little tension as body weight will cause foot to spread out
STEP 2
Stirrups +/- Spur/Horseshoe
Lay down alternating stirrup and spur x3
The stirrups should remain tight along the heel but splay out at the top
Pull from medial to lateral (think of reversing the injury)
STEP 3
Enclose the leg + foot (ensure no skin is visible)
STEP 4
Heel locks (note, these can be done in separate pieces, or in succession)
Lateral heel lock x1-2
Start medial, loop around the ankle (front to back), trace the tape back up
Medial heel lock x1-2
Start lateral, loop around ankle (back to front), pull down, back up to meet start
STEP 5
Figure 8
Start lateral, looping around midfoot, meeting at the start, then looping around ankle
This is done 1-2 times
The ‘X’ of the figure 8 occurs at the front of the ankle
General Taping Technique:
Apply the tape at least 20-30 minutes before activity (gives time for tape to adhere)
Start and end laying tape without tension
Generally always tape from distal to proximal
Purpose of Taping:
Prevent re-injury and facilitate early return to play
Support the joints and muscle/tendon units by limiting excessive or abnormal movement
Enhance proprioceptive feedback
General Ankle Sprain Management:
Rest the injured ankle (or restrict activity) for approx 72 hours
Protect it if necessary to avoid re-injury
Ice
Compression
Elevation (very important)