How to Strap an Ankle

Strapping an ankle is a preventive measure to protect against ankle injuries during sports activities. Securing the ankle firmly in place can guard against the type of injuries that can occur in the course of play, such as when a basketball player lands on another player's foot and rolls the ankle over. Strapping can also be used to protect an existing ankle injury from further aggravation.

Things You'll Need

• 38mm sports tape 5cm wide adhesive elastic bandage

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Instructions

• 1

  Prepare the ankle area by shaving it about 12 hours in advance of strapping. This will prevent the pain associated with the pulling out of body hair when the adhesive tape is removed.

• 2

  Anchor the ankle by wrapping sports tape horizontally around the shin just above the ankle, and vertically by wrapping tape around the heel and securing it to the first bit of tape on each side of the shin.

• 3

  Apply three stirrups by taping the ankle with three pieces of tape, starting on the inside of the ankle and wrapping it around the outside in the shape of a U. This will provide additional support for the ankle.

• 4

  Wrap the ankle in a "figure 6" pattern by wrapping it from the inside of the foot to the outside, then back to the inside by crossing the front of the foot. Secure the stirrups and figure 6 in place with the use of more tape.

• 5

  Lock the heel in place by wrapping tape around the lower leg, then moving down toward the ankle, then to the front of the heel. Pass the tape under the foot to the other side of the heel at a 45-degree angle. Finish by passing the tape to the opposite side of the ankle from which you began.

• 6

  Secure the ankle further by wrapping it with an adhesive bandage in a figure 8 pattern.