Taping Methods for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is a condition that is caused by the overuse of the plantar fascia tendon. This is the tendon that goes across the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis often occurs in people who have high arches on their feet. Proper taping techniques can reduce the risk of plantar fasciitis for a person who has high arches or other foot problems.

Preparation

• It is important to use the right kind of tape when taping feet to protect against plantar fasciitis. Because the tape is often worn during times when the feet sweat, the tape used must be durable and stay sticky when wet and being stepped on constantly. A roll of 2.5 cm zinc oxide tape is good to use because it stays on well and is flexible and durable.

  The tape can be cut with scissors or can be torn. Because the tape is pretty durable, tearing the tape may be difficult; therefore scissors might be the best option for cutting the tape. It is best to always have at least one roll of tape in storage to ensure there is always enough.

Taping

• Begin by cutting the tape so it is long enough to go around the foot starting at the left side of the arch and going on around the heel and ending at the right side of the arch. Be careful to not get any wrinkles in the tape, they could cause blisters.

  Do the same thing on the other foot and remember to keep the tape straight. In addition to preventing blisters, this also will provide a more solid base for the remainder of the tape that will be placed on foot. An alternate method of taping requires the taper to create an "X" on the bottom of the foot, with the two pieces of tape meeting at the arch.

  Cut six pieces of tape that are long enough to go across the width of the foot. Place a strip of tape directly on the front of the arch from right to left. Place the next piece of tape in the middle of the arch and put the third piece of tape on the back of the arch. The arch of the foot now will not be visible.

  Repeat the same process on the other foot. Make sure the pieces of tape that run across the width of the foot slightly overlap one another so that the skin of the arch cannot be seen.

  Cut two long pieces of tape and wrap them around the foot same way you did previously. The second pieces of tape will help keep all the other pieces of tape in place and will stabilize the support system.

  The process of taping feet can be slightly mundane and cumbersome. Properly taped feet can require about 10 to 15 minutes. However, if taping is done correctly, it can significantly reduce pain felt from plantar fasciitis.