FOOT & ANKLE STABILITYMr. Ryan – Sports Medicine

STAGES OF SOFT TISSUE HEALING Stage 1— Acute inflammatory, Approx. 2

days Phagocytes— Specialized cells that engulf and

gobble up the dead cells. Leukocytes— Infection fighting white blood cells. Platelets— Cells that carry blood clotting

materials. Stage 2— Repair, 6 weeks-3 months

Fibroblast— Begin building fibers across the area of injury (form the scar)

Stage 3— Remodeling, 1 year or more Rebuilding of tendons, ligaments, and muscles

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TO TAPE OR NOT TO TAPE…There are differing opinions on whether taping

an ankle is as functional as it may seem… Some Athletic Trainers believe that wrapping

an ankle provides support, stability, and aids in preventing injuries.

While other trainers do not deny the benefits of wrapping an ankle, some believe that wrapping an ankle “WEAKENS” the joint by simply not strengthening it. (NATURE VS. NURTURE)

ANKLE TAPING – WHAT NOT TO DO… Wrapping too tight limits range of

motion and cuts off blood circulation. Wrapping too loose is caused by

improper tape angle. This results in “blousing”.

Leave open areas. (TAPE CUTS & BLISTERS!)

Improper angles on Heel Locks. Accidentally poke, prod, or jostle the

athlete. Drop or set down your roll of tape.

TEARING TAPE

TAPING AN ANKLE STEP 1 – PROXIMAL ANCHORS (3)

Make sure the athlete’s foot is at 90 degrees!

Place three “ANCHORS” at approximately mid ankle. Where the gastrocnemius begins to contour to the achilies tendon. Make sure that it is not limiting ROM.

The “ends” of your tape should start facing at an upward angle and work their way downward.

This allows for the tape to contour to the lower limb.

STEP 2 – DISTAL ANCHOR (1) Place around the tarsal – metatarsal

joint area. Pull tape from the Plantar side of the

foot to provide support and prevent “blousing”

STEP 3 – STIRRUPS (3) Used to limit inversion/eversion movements in the

ankle joint. Inversion sprains – Stirrups should be applied

medial to lateral. Eversion sprains – Stirrups should be applied

lateral to medial. 3 stirrups should be applied. 1. Covering the

malleolus directly. 2. Front side of the malleolus. 3. Backside of the malleolus.

All three stirrups should cross the heel/calcaneous at the same point.

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STEP 4 – CLOSE UP – CIRCULAR STRIPS These strips should be placed

underneath the proximal anchors. Until 1” from the bottom of the foot.

They help to secure the stirrups and provide support.

Pull tape from the achilies tendon side. The “end pieces” of tape should be

facing downward.

STEP 5 – HEEL LOCKS (2)1. Begin on lateral side of the ankle using

½ the tape above malleolus.2. Tape angling down and posterior under

the calcaneous.3. Come up to the dorsal side of the foot

towards the medial malleolus.4. Go down and around the calcaneous.5. Come up to the dorsal side and finish.

STEP 6 – FIGURE 8 Starting on the lateral side of foot Bring the tape over to the medial side To the arch of the foot and under the

foot. Continue around the back of the ankle

and finish where started.

STEP 7 – CLOSE UP Place more strips around to secure heel

locks. Check for gaps and cover them with

strips.  Be sure there are no significant folds in

tape to avoid blistering or cuts.