|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Physical Treatment for Taping of Plantar Fasciitis

According to the Mayo Clinic, plantar fasciitis develops when the thick band of tissue along the bottom part of your foot, called the plantar fascia, becomes painful and inflamed. You experience more pain in the morning after you first get up, and the pain decreases as you become more active. Treatment should start immediately to allow the plantar fascia to rest, but not affect the mobility in the rest of your foot.

  1. Taping Tips

    • Apply athletic tape in the morning, and then remove the tape at night, so your skin can get some air.

      Don't go too far up the back of your heel when you're taping, or the skin will not be able to stretch when you're walking.

      Side effects can occur with taping, such as ankle and heel pain, allergy to the tape, and your skin may peel off as the tape is removed.

      If you live in an area that has soft water, you may need to use bottled water to help the tape stick. You can also try hairspray to make the tape stick.

    Taping

    • Clean your foot with a non-moisturizing soap and water. After cleaning, thoroughly dry your foot so that the tape will stick.

      Place a strip of athletic tape around the ball of your foot. Wrap the next strip of tape around your heel, and attach it to the first tape.

      Wrap another strip of tape around the same area, and then cross over the middle of your foot diagonally before wrapping the tape around your heel, and crossing the middle of your foot again.

      Applying the tape this way makes an X shape across the middle of your foot, and will provide support to the plantar fascia.

      Repeat this process two more times to ensure that the tape will stay on, and the plantar fascia will be adequately supported.

      Cover the previous strips by applying the tape horizontally across your foot. Once you've finished taping, the bottom area from the ball of your foot to your heel should be completely covered in tape.

      If needed, you can wrap another piece of tape around your arch to help keep the strips on the bottom of your foot connected.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles