To strap your heel ankle, you'll need to use tape to create a supportive structure around your ankle and heel. The process, which includes creating a 'heel lock', involves specific steps to ensure stability.
Step-by-step Guide to Heel Ankle Strapping
Here's how to effectively strap your heel ankle, based on the information from the provided reference (referring to ankle taping with a "heel lock"):
- Initial Anchor: Start by applying tape around the lower leg. This serves as the initial anchor point.
- Crossing Over: Next, take the tape from the lower leg and cross over towards the ankle joint.
- Above the Bony Part: Continue the tape just slightly above the bony part on the inside of your ankle.
- Towards the Heel: Bring the tape down towards your heel, ensuring you go above the heel itself. This is where you are creating the 'heel lock'.
Importance of Correct Strapping
- Stability: Proper taping provides external support, which can help prevent ankle injuries or further damage to an already injured ankle.
- Range of Motion: Strapping correctly limits excessive movement that could lead to a re-injury, but still allows sufficient movement for function.
- Comfort: When done well, ankle taping is comfortable and provides support without being overly restrictive.
- Effective Technique: Ensuring you are above the bony parts on the inside of the ankle will help ensure the support provided by the tape is effective.
Practical Tips
- Use athletic tape specifically designed for taping.
- Make sure skin is clean and dry before applying tape.
- Avoid applying the tape too tightly which could restrict blood flow.
- Always consult a medical professional if you are unsure of the correct technique, especially when dealing with an injury.
This process ensures that the heel is well-supported and prevents excessive movement, which could lead to further injury. Remember, this description is based on the 'heel lock' method which utilizes the inside of the ankle to add to the stability of the taping.
