Athletic tape is used by basketball players and other athletes to protect their ankles and wrists. It is also used to prevent injury from taking place. Taping also eases the pressure on the aforementioned body parts.
Tape is also worn by athletes to strengthen their grip. Aside from sports activities, the tape will be useful for those who like to go hiking frequently.
How to Apply the Tape on the Ankles
For the best results, you should apply the tape before the ankles gets injured.
Step 1
Put pre-wrap tape around the ankles, beginning from the center of the foot until halfway to the shin. The pre-wrap is optional. However, using it will keep the tape from getting stuck to the skin. Removing tape applied directly on the skin can be quite painful.
Step 2
Add some tape strip on the pre-wrap. This will fasten it into place.
Step 3
The next step is to add athletic tape strips below the heel up to the ankle’s sides. When you are done, apply strips at the back of the heel going forward by the foot’s sides. Use these two methods alternately to wrap the ankle up.
By adding the strips in this manner, you give the ankles better support and stability. Usually, athletes use five strips for both directions. However you can add as many as you want. The more you add, the greater the stability.
Step 4
Commencing at the Achilles’ tendon, cover the tape in a forward manner then go below the foot. Go back to the back of the ankle. What you will end up with is a figure eight. Keep adding as many figure eights as you want. When you’re done, cut the tape off with a pair of scissors.
Step 5
Get some more tape and wrap the foot and leg in circles. Ensure that the tape covers the pre-wrap entirely.
Tips and Warnings
If your ankles need little support, use only a few figure eights at the bottom of your feet and the ankles. That will be enough to give it balance and support.
Take note that a heavily taped ankle can feel uncomfortable in a shoe. Walking or running may be difficult. Balancing can be hard too because the ankle cannot move freely. If you will be running, try to strike a balance between supporting your ankles and hampering movement.
Types
These tapes come in two kinds: those with adhesive and those without adhesive. If you are going to use tape with adhesive, make sure the part you will be applying it to have little to no hair. This will reduce the pain you will feel when the tape is removed. If you plan on using non-adhesive tape, bandage adhesive will be needed to keep it in place.
Learning how to use athletic tape is important as it is not just for athletes. It can also be used by people who go hiking or do excessive amounts of walking and running. By applying them on your ankles, the chances of getting injured are reduced.
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