Looking for a guide on how to tape a sprained ankle? Look no further as we layout a comprehensive and step-by-step guide on how to tape a sprained ankle. But first, another question that is commonly brought up in this given circumstance is, should you tape a sprained ankle? People, especially athletes have mixed opinions in this particular question. For some, it is ideal to tape a sprained ankle in to protect it from further injury. Meanwhile, some suggest that it is less preferable to tape a sprained ankle as the affected area is unable to breathe normally and inhibits it from gaining oxygen thus impeding the body from repairing itself. Regardless of where you stand in this debate, how to tape a sprained ankle is a process that’s not for everyone. Though it may seem simple and easy, it is deceptively intricate and may require a day or two to master the art, especially for someone who is a sports junkie or an athlete who is more prone to such injuries than a normal person is.
How To Tape A Sprained Ankle
Though taping an ankle is concurrent to an injury or sprain, the process can also be considered as a preventive measure. A lot of trainers and professionals in sports like basketball, football and boxing, recommend strapping the ankle on with tape in order to solidify it and provide support during training and competitions. Ankles play an important role in the performance of athletes thus insuring it with a form of preventive and protective measure is in order, so how to tape a sprained ankle?
Ankle taping techniques offer optimal support for prevention of sprain in the lateral ligament. The first step is preparation. You should clean and shave the ankle region at least 12 hours prior taping it. If you are afraid of doing so as it may hurt a bit, utilize Leukowrap in order to avoid painful removal of the hair from the skin. Moreover, Leukowrap also diminishes the potential skin reactions that may arise from adhesives. Use Leukowrap in a conventional figure 8 overwrapping pattern if you cannot shave the hair or is sensitive to tape, particularly its adhesive attributes. You can also use Leukofoam that’s cut to form that supports in padding out the empty spaces and areas around the ankle to offer greater conformity. Lastly, you can opt to purchase Leuko Spray Adhesive that can be initially rubbed into the skin to assist in securing the wrap and foam into its correct placement.
Next, apply the anchors. Anchors mainly serve the purpose of stably connecting the stirrups. Buy a sports tape for this particular step. A 38mm tape is ideal when performing the technique. Overall, three stirrups are basically applied into the ankle area. These stirrups adhere to the anchors that begin from a medial to lateral pattern in a U-shape form. They offer exceptional support for the area, making them key components of how to tape a sprained ankle.
Third step on how to tape a sprained ankle is the Figure 6′s. This step involves applying Figure 6′s further into your ankle to counterbalance the inversion motion that leads to a sprained ankle. Figure 6′s are applied starting from the medial to the lateral side and a return all the way back to the medial side after it crosses the front portion of the foot. Locking straps are then applied in order to secure the stirrups and Figure 6′s into position.
Fourth, perform the half heel lock. This is applied to offer further stability and support on the posterior ankle area. Start off the Heel Lock on the antero lateral portion of the lower leg and then move on the rear side passing the medial region of the ankle and towards the anterior of the heel. Pass the tape below the foot and over the lateral region of the heel at a 45° angle. The tape will then go over the inferior of the medial region of the ankle to complete the lateral portion of the lower leg where it originally initiated. If desired, another half heel lock technique may be performed in the opposite direction that follows approximately the same exact approach.
Fifth step on how to tape a sprained ankle is the mid foot sling technique. This is an optional step and can be furthered performed to provide better support for the middle region of the foot. Additional locking straps are applied in order to occupy the unfilled portions that may lead to tape cuts. Then, overwrapping technique is performed with the use of an elastic adhesive bandage of your choice, preferably 5cm in width. Apply it in a Figure 8 formation. The conclusion to this step is to offer mild compression that, in turn, further stabilizes and solidifies the tape around your ankle.
The last step on how to tape a sprained ankle is to accomplish a Figure 8 and a spiral to encase the rigid tape entirely and complete the technique. Once you’ve finished the technique, you’re ankle is now protected from further harm.
For precautionary measures after you’ve carried out the steps on how to tape a sprained ankle, try to walk around and check for any signs of pain or discomfort or if there are any regions within the wrapped area that is numbed. Pain and numbness as well as abnormal redness in the ankle or foot area are clear indicators that the area is finding it difficult to achieve normal blood circulation and that you may need to redo all the steps in order to give your foot and ankle a less pressurized taping. Get some scissors and cut through the thick wrapping in order to relieve the pain. You can then re-secure it with overwrapping once you manage to adjust the taping in a more comfortable placement.
How To Tape A Sprained Ankle – The Conclusion
Overall, you can learn the techniques further by browsing the internet for video tutorials on taping a sprained ankle. This will give you a much clearer idea of how to do the techniques involved in this complex procedure of how to tape a sprained ankle safely and securely.
