How to Strap an Ankle

Strapping_Ankle_fb9d38c1-8b11-4255-a33b-cecbb60273f0 - SPORTTAPE

Taping Guides

How to Strap an Ankle

Learn how to strap a sprain ankle with tape in just 2 minutes. Common in team sports such as Rugby, Football, Netball and Basketball. Knowing how to strap a sprained ankle with tape is a skill every sports therapist should know. Using Zinc Oxide Tape for ankle stability may help to provide support and pain relief.

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WHAT YOU'll NEED

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Zinc Oxide Tape

From £2.99

Underwrap

From £2.99

Kinesiology Tape Scissors

£19.99

Zinc Oxide Tan Tape

From £6.99

Step-By-Step Strapping Guide

STRAPPING AN ANKLE

STEP 1

Fully wrap the ankle using Underwrap. Make sure that the Underwrap is applied tightly in a thin layer.

STEP 2

Using Zinc Oxide 3.8cm (Tan is preferable due to the joint being weight bearing).
Apply an anchor strip around mid calf. Aim the tape slightly downward when applying as this allows for muscle expansion during exercise.
Repeat 1-2 more times underneath to get a wider anchor.

STEP 3

Ensure the foot is in a neutral position.
Stirrup from medial to lateral, under the heel and across the calcaneus.
Apply tension when coming to the lateral side by pulling the tape slightly as this will help further restrict the medial rotation.
Repeat 2-3 more times, ensuring to avoid taping over the base of the 5th metatarsal.

STEP 4

For extra support angle the tape under the heel so that it both starts and finishes on the medial side, creating a ‘6’ shape.
Repeat the anchors to secure your application.

THE STICKY STUFF

Our most popular taping FAQ's

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ZINC OXIDE WHITE AND ZINC OXIDE TAN TAPE?

Zinc Oxide Tan is made from a rayon cloth, which provides unrivalled tensile strength. It is 3x stronger and more durable than Zinc Oxide White, which is made from an organic cotton cloth. Cotton is more lightweight, pliable and comfortable to wear.

The tape you choose should be based on budget, joint size and the purpose of the taping application.

IS ZINC OXIDE TAPE WATERPROOF?

Zinc Oxide Tape is not waterproof but it is water resistant. However, unlike other tapes, our glue is laid to make sure the tape is porous, allowing the skin to breath and moisture to wick away more easily.

As a result it is more suited to withstand the demands of sport. Our Zinc Oxide Tape has been used by water sports athletes with great success.

I'M ALLERGIC TO ELASTOPLAST, WILL I GET A REACTION TO TAPE?

Our EAB glues don’t contain any colophony or rosin, which are the normal irritants for anyone with an Elastoplast allergy.

However, we would recommend that anyone with an Elastoplast allergy trials a small test patch before using EAB Tape as the skin sensitivity may disagree with any kind of adhesive against it.

If you have a known allergy to Zinc Oxide, then you should opt for a different tape as EAB uses a Zinc Oxide glue.

SHOULD I SHAVE BEFORE USING TAPE?

Shaving before applying is not necessary. The level of adhesion combined with adequate pressure will hold the EAB in place.

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