Ankle Taping Techniques

Ankle taping has been shown to assist with return to sport following injury as it aids proprioception. Ankle taping does not replace effective exercise rehabilitation post-injury and the patient should seek further advice from their Doctor or Physiotherapist if they are unsure.

Keep reading to find out more about the most common ankle taping techniques.

Generally ridged 38mm strapping tape is prescribed when taping an ankle.  In the case of sensitive skin, foam under wrap or fixomull is recommended.  Leuko skin prep (spray) may also be used to maximize adherence.

The instructions below outline the most common ankle taping techniques.  The patient must be aware that every ankle and every injury are different and therefore may respond differently to the techniques listed below.  For best results, these taping techniques should be supplied following the advice of your Physiotherapist

• Anchor

Set just below the bulk of the calf muscle a layer of tape is lightly placed around the leg.

• Stirrups

Starting from the inner side of the Anchor, run the tape towards the same point on the outside surface of the Anchor.  Apply mild tension as you pull the tape.

• Sixes

Starting just above the ankle bone (malleolus), place the tape GENTLY across the front of the ankle under the foot and finish up at the anchor.  Repeat starting at other ankle bone (malleolus)

• Heel Lock

Starting at the front of the leg in one corner near the anchor.  Run the tape top to cross the front of the shin, then cross at the back of the shin making the tape contact with the heel.  Then cross the front of the shin again to finish back at the starting point near the anchor.  Repeat this technique starting on the other side of the shin.

• Locking in

After completing the techniques listed above, starting under the first anchor, sequentially place tape lightly over the leg.