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Strapping for Ankle Ligament Tears (Lateral OR Medial)

Key Points:

Taping differs slightly depending if lateral (outside) ligaments are damaged, or medial (inside) ligaments are damaged.

  • This video showcases taping for LATERAL (outside) tears. Medial (inside) tears are very similar.
  • LATERAL (outside) ligament tears:
    • As per video.
    • Hold the ankle with the toes pointed towards you, and to the outside.
    • Most layers of tape are pulled from inside to outside.
  • MEDIAL (inside) ligament tears:
    • Opposite of video.
    • Hold the ankle with the toes pointed towards you, and to the inside.
    • Pull in opposite direction, ie if video starts on the inside and pulls to the outside, then start on the inside and pull to the outside.

Allergies / Irritation:

  • You can use a tape underlay such as hyperfix, to improve the tape’s adhesiveness, but also prevent reactions or skin irritation.

Taping will only last for 2-3 days.

Level 1 – Figure 6

  1. Pull ankle towards you, and roll toes outwards. This places the ligament in a shortened position.
    • Roll toes inwards if your injury is on the inside of the ankle.
  2. Wrap a layer of tape around the leg, just above the ankle.
  3. 2-3 x stirrups: Start inside, pull down and back around up to the opposite side. Repeat 2-3 times, until the bony part of the ankle is covered.
  4. 2 x lateral figure 6’s: Start inside and pull down, underneath the foot. Once on the other side, pull the tape across the top of the foot, back to where you started.
  5. 1 x medial figure 6: Start outside and pull down, underneath the foot. Once on the other side, pull the tape across the top of the foot, back to where to started.
  6. Repeat step 2, to hold tape in place.
  7. If requiring more support, continue to video 2

Level 2 – Heel Lock / Figure 8

  • If you require more support than Level 1, complete Level 1 video and then progress to a heel lock to add more support.
  1. Start on the outside. Pull behind the ankle diagonally, across the Achilles. Continue pulling down diagonally, wrapping underneath the foot. Pull straight back up and place the tape down where you started.
  2. Start on the inside. Pull behind the ankle diagonally, across the Achilles. Continue pulling down diagonally, wrapping underneath the foot. Pull straight back up and place the tape down where you started.

Precautions

  • If you have any itchiness, redness or pain take the tape off as it could cause a reaction.
  • If you have access, place a layer of hyperfix underlay tape down first to protect the skin.